Govt reduces Hajj package cost by Tk11,725

The government has reduced the cost of the hajj package under its management by Tk11,725 and asked the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) to reduce the same for private packages. 

"Those who have already registered for performing Hajj can get a refund from the Dhaka Hajj office," reads an urgent circular from the religious affairs ministry. 

The decision was taken following the Saudi government decreasing the hajj expenses by 413 Riyal, the release adds.

With this readjustment, the hajj package under government management will cost Tk671,290 and if reduced by the HAAB, the cost of the hajj package under private management will be Tk660,893.

Earlier in February, the Hajj packages were announced with a government package fixed at Tk683,018 for each pilgrim and a private package fixed at Tk672,618.

Meanwhile, the government has extended the deadline for hajj registration till 27 March, it said.

The quota for hajj registration was not fulfilled till 21 March as it was the last date as per the declaration of the religious affairs ministry. The authority has extended the deadline a total of five times. 

Till Wednesday, 115,702 people have registered for hajj while Saudi Arabia has offered a 1.27 lakh quota for Bangladesh.

From the beginning of the process, the stakeholders fear that Bangladesh might fail to fulfil the quota as hajj costs have increased to at least Tk1.50 lakh, compared to last year.

The government on 9 January signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia over the hajj.

According to the agreement, 15,000 people will be able to go to Hajj under government management while 112,198 can go under private management.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will carry 50% of passengers while Saudia and Flynas Airlines will jointly carry 50% of passengers.

Besides, the age limit for Hajj pilgrims during the pandemic has been lifted by the Saudi government, paving the way for people over 65 to go for a significant pilgrimage.