Three Hajj packages announced, airfare reduced

The government has announced three separate packages for Hajj 2026, with costs ranging from Tk 467,167 to Tk 690,597, depending on accommodation and facilities for pilgrims.

The packages were unveiled on Sunday at a press conference held at the ministry of religious affairs. Religious affairs adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain said that, as in previous years, a large number of Bangladeshi devotees will participate in the pilgrimage, with three distinct packages set under government management.

Hajj Package-1
Under this package, pilgrims will be accommodated within 700 metres of the Haram Sharif in Makkah and in the central Markaziya area in Madinah. Rooms will house a maximum of five persons with attached bathrooms. In Mina, tents will be located in Zone-2, and food will be provided by Muallim with ‘D+’ category services in Mina and Arafat. The cost of this package is Tk 690,597.

Hajj Package-2
Pilgrims will stay within 1.2 to 1.8 kilometres of the Haram Sharif in Makkah, and in the Markaziya area in Madinah. Rooms will accommodate up to six persons with attached bathrooms. In Mina, tents will be in Zone-2, and food will be supplied by Muallim with ‘D’ category services in Mina and Arafat. The cost of this package is Tk 558,881.

For both Package-1 and Package-2, pilgrims may opt for room upgrades (two or three-seat options) and short packages upon payment of additional fees. The usual stay in Saudi Arabia will range from 35 to 47 days, while short packages will be between 22 and 30 days.

Hajj Package-3
This is the most affordable option. Pilgrims will be accommodated in the Aziziyah area of Makkah and outside the central Markaziya area in Madinah. Rooms will house up to six people. In Mina, tents will be located in Zone-5, with Muallim providing food under ‘D’ category services in Mina and Arafat. Air-conditioned buses will be arranged for daily prayers at the Haram Sharif. The cost of this package is Tk 467,167.

At the press conference, it was stated that this package is a new addition to the government system. Previously, government-managed Bangladeshi pilgrims were never housed in Aziziyah, though pilgrims from Indonesia, Pakistan, and Malaysia have long been accommodated there. The hotels previously used for Bangladeshi pilgrims in Makkah have been demolished by the Saudi authorities, making Aziziyah the new designated area.

A general Hajj package has also been set for private Hajj agencies under the title ‘General Package under Private Management’, with a cost of Tk 509,185. Agencies will be allowed to introduce two additional packages based on this approved rate. Each pilgrim may spend a minimum of 35 Saudi Riyals per day for meals, which must be borne personally.

It was further announced that, subject to moon sighting, Hajj 2026 will be held on May 26. This year, about 127,198 Bangladeshis are expected to perform Hajj. Primary registration began on July 27 and will conclude on October 12 as per the Saudi roadmap. Physically and mentally fit persons aged 12 years and above are eligible. A deposit of Tk 350,000 is required for preliminary registration, with the full payment to be completed by December 31.

The Hajj agreement signing will take place on November 9, followed by finalisation of house-rent and transport contracts by February 1, 2026. Visa issuance will begin on February 8, while Hajj flights are scheduled to commence on April 18.