The interim government has introduced two reduced Hajj packages for 2025, cutting costs to make the pilgrimage more affordable for Bangladeshi citizens.
The minimum package under government management has been set at Tk4,78,242.
Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain announced the new rates on Wednesday (30 October) at a press briefing held at the secretariat.
According to Hossain, the lower-priced package will require Tk4,78,242, while a second government-managed option will cost Tk5,75,680.
Previously, the standard government Hajj package required Tk5,78,840, while the special package cost Tk9,36,320.
Notably, the special package option has been omitted this year.
For those opting for private arrangements, the minimum Hajj package is set at Tk4,83,156.
Subject to the sighting of the moon, the 2025 Hajj is expected to be observed on 1 June. Bangladesh has been allotted a quota of 1,27,198 pilgrims, with an agreement set to be signed with Saudi authorities on 13 January.
In related news, Biman Bangladesh Airlines is considering a Tk20,000 reduction in Hajj flight tickets, potentially lowering return ticket costs to Tk1,75,000. Last year, the ticket price stood at Tk1,94,000. In an effort to further alleviate expenses, the interim government has taken measures to lower overall Hajj costs, and additional discounts in VAT, airport usage fees, and other charges could save pilgrims up to Tk10,000 more.
This reduction, combined with other potential discounts, may allow Hajj pilgrims to save up to Tk30,000 compared to previous years. However, the higher exchange rate for Saudi riyals, which has risen from Tk29.74 to Tk32, is expected to increase other expenses in Saudi Arabia by approximately Tk24,000.
Additionally, the government is exploring the feasibility of sea travel as an alternative Hajj route, which could reduce costs by 40 per cent but would extend travel time to approximately 16 days round-trip.
In an effort to ensure a smooth Hajj experience, the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards irregularities. The practice of allowing officials and staff to accompany pilgrims free of charge will also be discontinued this year.
Registration for Hajj began on 1 September, with over 2,000 pilgrims registered through the government and over 63,000 through private agencies to date.
