Hajj package costs cut, pilgrims to get over Tk3cr refund: AFM Khalid
"Through repeated negotiations with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, airfare for Hajj was reduced by approximately Tk27,000 in 2025 and by around Tk13,000 this year, bringing the total reduction over the past two years to nearly Tk40,000," the adviser said.
Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain today (10 February) said that Hajj package costs have been reduced and pilgrims under two packages will receive refunds exceeding Tk3 crore in total after the pilgrimage.
At a press briefing held at the conference room of the Ministry of Religious Affairs at the Secretariat, he said that for the 2026 Hajj season, hotel rent for Package-1 pilgrims in Mecca and Medina has been reduced by around 1,000 Saudi riyals and transport costs by 100 riyals per pilgrim, while pilgrims under Package-1 and Package-2 will receive refunds exceeding Tk3 crore in total after the pilgrimage.
The adviser said the ministry worked specifically to fulfil public expectations of performing Hajj at a reasonable cost.
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Khalid added, "Through repeated negotiations with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, airfare for Hajj was reduced by approximately Tk27,000 in 2025 and by around Tk13,000 this year, bringing the total reduction over the past two years to nearly Tk40,000. This is a notable achievement."
Highlighting this year's Hajj management, the adviser said service charges under Hajj Package-3 were reduced by about 600 Saudi riyals per pilgrim through negotiations with service provider companies. "The savings, combined with allocated housing and transport funds, allowed the ministry to relocate pilgrims' accommodation closer to the Haram Sharif, reducing travel inconvenience and enabling them to perform their five daily prayers there more easily," he added.
The adviser further said that over the past one and a half years, the ministry has operated with transparency, accountability and integrity, working to make its departments and agencies more active and effective, resulting in positive changes.
Regarding the Islamic Foundation, he said 163 vacant posts have been filled, recruitment for 197 positions is pending due to court cases, 61 officials have been promoted across grades, and further recruitment to Grade-9 and above posts is underway.
