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The government is planning to reduce the cost of performing Hajj in 2027 by at least Tk 40,000 to Tk 42,000 through lower airfares and reduced charges in Saudi Arabia, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said on Thursday.
Speaking at the opening of the three-day National Hajj and Umrah Fair 2026 at the China Friendship International Conference Centre in Dhaka, the state minister said the initiative builds on the successful management of the 2026 Hajj and aims to make the pilgrimage more affordable.
The fair has been organized by the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) with support from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Millat said that under the Prime Minister’s directive, the national carrier has reduced its profit margin, allowing the airfare for Hajj pilgrims to be fixed at Tk 130,000. He also said discussions are underway with the Saudi ambassador to reduce airport taxes and GACA (General Authority of Civil Aviation) charges, which could lower expenses by another Tk 10,000 to Tk 11,000 per pilgrim.
A Saudi technical team is expected to make a final decision on the matter in September. If approved, the aviation sector alone could reduce Hajj costs by Tk 40,000 to Tk 42,000, he added.
The state minister said further reductions in Hajj package prices would require Hajj agencies to lower accommodation costs in Saudi Arabia while maintaining service quality.
To strengthen the financial capacity of Hajj agencies, the government has directed the prompt payment of around Tk 620 million in outstanding dues owed to HAAB members, enabling both large and small agencies to participate equally in Hajj operations.
He also said the Prime Minister had instructed authorities to ensure quality meals for pilgrims at Hajj camps on a non-profit basis. In addition, the introduction of the Nusuk Card and the Road to Makkah initiative has significantly reduced travel-related hassles and card processing difficulties for Bangladeshi pilgrims.
Looking ahead, the government is also considering the use of zakat funds or direct subsidies to make Hajj packages more affordable for low-income people, the state minister added.
