Dhaka, July 6 -- Shahana Islam, a resident of Dhaka's Shyamoli, has had her bags packed since Jun 25 in anticipation of making the Hajj trip this year. Her appointed moallem, or guide, Abdul Hai told her that her flight would depart on June 27.

Over a week has passed, but she still hasn't received any updates about the status of the flight. The guide's phone is also switched off, reports bdnews24.com.

Mirpur's Tahmida Begum is facing a similar predicament. She and her son Tahmid Hasan were supposed to travel for the Hajj with Abdul. Over the past week, the guide has been evasive about the flight schedule. The family has not been able to contact him since Monday.

The holy ritual is scheduled to begin on Jul 8. But as the last Hajj fligh...