Govt seeks Saudi levy cut as Hajj airfare drops to Tk130,000
Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad said around 95% of Bangladeshi pilgrims perform Hajj through private agencies and only 5% travel under the government management system.
The government has requested Saudi authorities to reduce the airport construction levy imposed on airline tickets as part of its efforts to further lower Hajj travel costs for Bangladeshi pilgrims, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said today (30 July).
Speaking at the inauguration of the three-day National Hajj and Umrah Fair 2026, organised by the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka, Millat said the government had already reduced Hajj airfare to Tk130,000 this year, according to a press release.
"Last year, we reduced airfare by Tk12,000 per ticket. This year, we have reduced it by a further Tk25,000, bringing the airfare down to Tk130,000," he said.
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The state minister said the government was working to ensure affordable and hassle-free Hajj packages for Bangladeshi pilgrims. He added that the ministry had also held discussions with the Saudi ambassador in Bangladesh to secure special facilities that could reduce accommodation costs for pilgrims.
Millat warned that anyone found defrauding Hajj pilgrims would face the strictest legal action.
Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad said around 95% of Bangladeshi pilgrims perform Hajj through private agencies, while only 5% travel under the government management system.
He urged Hajj agency owners to maintain professional standards and avoid any activities that could undermine public confidence or damage the country's image.
Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Bangladesh Khalid Saeed Al Hadal, HAAB leaders and prospective Hajj pilgrims, among others, attended the inaugural ceremony.
