Hajj airfare cut to Tk130,000

The government has reduced the airfare for Bangladeshi pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj to Tk 1,30,000, lowering the fare by an additional Tk 25,000 for the upcoming pilgrimage season.

The announcement was made by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat on Thursday (July 30) while inaugurating the three-day National Hajj and Umrah Fair-2026, organised by the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital.

The state minister said the government is also in discussions with the Saudi authorities to secure further facilities aimed at reducing the overall cost of Hajj for Bangladeshi pilgrims.

"We are working to ensure that Bangladeshi pilgrims can perform Hajj at a reasonable cost and without harassment. Talks are ongoing with the Saudi side to reduce additional expenses and improve facilities," he said.

Millat noted that airfare had already been reduced by Tk 12,000 last year, while this year it has been cut by another Tk 25,000, bringing the final fare down to Tk 130,000.

He also said Bangladesh has requested the Saudi government to reduce airport construction charges imposed on Hajj flights. In addition, discussions have been held with the Saudi ambassador regarding special arrangements to lower accommodation costs for Bangladeshi pilgrims.

The state minister said the government is committed to ensuring a more organised and efficient Hajj operation in the coming year, adding that while minor operational shortcomings may occur in such a large-scale programme, there would be zero tolerance for corruption and fraud.

Warning Hajj operators against malpractice, he said strict action would be taken against anyone found involved in deceiving or exploiting pilgrims.

Speaking at the event, Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad said around 5 percent of Bangladeshi pilgrims perform Hajj under government management, while the remaining 95 percent travel through private Hajj agencies.

He urged Hajj agencies to maintain transparency and professionalism, stressing that any action tarnishing the country's image would not be tolerated.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Saudi Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Khalid Saeed Al Hadal, HAAB leaders, the Managing Director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the Country Director of Saudia, and prospective Hajj pilgrims.