PM inaugurates first Hajj flights, promises to reduce costs further from next year

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday (18 April) assured that the government will take steps to reduce the cost of the Hajj package and ease the suffering of pilgrims from next year.

"We formed the government on 18 February, while most of this year's Hajj arrangements had already been completed earlier in the month. So, we had limited scope to do much and make major changes this time," he told Hajj pilgrims during his visit to the Ashkona Hajj Camp.

Even so, the prime minister said they tried their best and managed to reduce costs by around Tk12,000.

"We hope to reduce costs further next year. We are striving to improve the overall Hajj arrangements so that pilgrims face less hardship in the coming year," he added.

The prime minister requested the pilgrims to pray for the country as it is going through many challenges.

"You are going to the house of Allah. Please pray for the country so that people can live in peace. There are many challenges ahead in the country. As guests of Allah, if you raise your hands in prayer, I believe Allah will grant His mercy," he said, addressing the pilgrims.

The prime minister also wished the pilgrims a safe return home in good health after completing the Hajj rituals.

The prime minister reached the Ashkona Hajj camp at around 10:50pm and exchanged greetings with the pilgrims.

Tarique greeted the pilgrims warmly, embracing them and exchanging pleasantries through handshakes, he added.

At that time, Tarique Rahman, also chairman of the ruling BNP, joined a munajat there, seeking the successful completion of the Hajj rituals and divine blessings for the country.

From the Hajj camp, he went to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 11:30pm.

"The prime minister first visited the Ashkona Hajj camp, where he warmly embraced the pilgrims and exchanged greetings with them. Later, he boarded the first Hajj flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines at around 11:30pm on Friday night," said Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

He said the prime minister spoke to the pilgrims on board and offered prayers for their safe and smooth journey to Saudi Arabia. "Through this, he formally inaugurated the Hajj flights."

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, Civil Aviation Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah Jafar H. bin Abiyyah, Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, Civil Aviation Secretary Fahmida Akhtar, and Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, among others, were present.

The first Hajj flight, carrying 419 pilgrims, was scheduled to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:20am for Saudi Arabia.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a total of 14 flights will be operated on the first day — six by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, four by Saudia and four by Flynas.

A total of 78,500 pilgrims from Bangladesh will perform Hajj in 2026. Of them, 4,565 will travel under the government arrangement, while 73,935 will go through private Hajj agencies.

Under the agreement with Saudi Arabia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines will carry 50% of the pilgrims. Of the remaining 50%, Saudia will transport 35% and Flynas 15%.

Subject to moon sighting, Hajj is expected to be held on 26 May. Return flights are scheduled to begin on 30 May and continue until 1 July.