Hajj package cost for country's pilgrims for 2027 reduced: Minister

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) said today (7 September) that the government has reduced the cost of the Hajj package for 2027 compared with 2026, as part of its commitment to establish an affordable, accessible, humane and expatriate-friendly Hajj management system.

Replying to a scripted question from treasury bench member Anisur Rahman (Madaripur-3) in the House, he said the government has reduced the 2027 Hajj package cost for Muslims across the country, including residents of Madaripur-3 constituency.

"The cost of the 2027 Hajj package has been reduced compared with 2026," the minister said.

He said Hajj involves a bilateral management system, with the total cost divided between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh.

About three-fourths of the expenditure relates to the Saudi Arabian part, which includes tent rentals in Mina and Arafat, transportation, hotel accommodation in Mina, Makkah and Madinah, Qurbani, visa and insurance fees and other charges.

The remaining one-fourth of the expenditure falls under the Bangladesh part, mainly covering air tickets.

The minister said the minimum Hajj package in 2026 cost Tk4,67,137, excluding food.  "This year, food expenses have been included in the package, increasing the cost by Tk39,508," he said.

Kaikobad added that the Saudi government's decision to withdraw the lowest service category in Mina and Arafat increased the cost by 700 Saudi riyals, equivalent to Tk23,240 at an exchange rate of Tk33.20 per riyal. Exchange-rate adjustments also increased the cost by Tk3,825.

"Had last year's package remained unchanged, the price would have stood at Tk5,33,740 this year," the minister said.

However, he said the government reduced airfares by Tk24,830 from last year through the Prime Minister's personal initiative. "The reduction of Tk 24,830 in airfare is a milestone in determining airfares for Hajj flights," he said.

He said further cost reductions in other sectors through initiatives by the Ministry of Religious Affairs brought the minimum Hajj package cost down to Tk 5,05,648 for 2027.

The minister also said the government has taken state and diplomatic initiatives to persuade the Saudi authorities to reconsider their decisions regarding the Hajj service arrangements.

He said the government seeks to retain the lowest service package for pilgrims in Mina and Arafat and increase backup accommodation from 1 percent to 2 percent to help reduce the overall cost and improve the Hajj management system.