Dhaka, May 12 -- The Ministry of Religious Affairs has sought explanations from six travel agencies after allegations that they cancelled registered Hajj pilgrims without approval and replaced them with other individuals.

The agencies named are Relation Travel and Tours, FM Tours and Travels, Fiha Tour and Travels, Mir Amina Travels and Tours, Shitalakkhya Travels Limited and Ansari Overseas.

The ministry's Hajj Section-2 said on Tuesday that under Rule 13 of the Hajj and Umrah Management Regulations, a registered pilgrim may only be replaced under specific conditions, such as death or serious illness.

In the event of death, a certified death certificate issued by a civil surgeon or Upazila health official must be submitted to the Dhak...