Wednesday, 5th August 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 28th September 2025, 8:00 AM
Following discussions, airfare has been partially regulated, resulting in lower costs for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage compared to last year. The government will officially announce three separate Hajj packages, while private sector packages will also receive government approval. However, no agency will be allowed to offer packages below the government-set price.
Previous Hajj Costs
| Package Type | Last Year’s Cost (BDT) |
| Government Package 1 | 478,242 |
| Government Package 2 | 575,680 |
| Private Sector Minimum | 483,156 |
According to sources from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, an executive committee meeting on Hajj management will be held on Sunday afternoon at the Secretariat. The meeting will be presided over by Religious Adviser A F M Khalid Hossain. Upon approval, the Hajj packages will be formally announced on the same day.
The three government-approved packages are structured as follows:
| Package | Accommodation Distance from Haram Sharif | Notes | Cost Trend |
| Package 1 | 500–700 metres | Upgraded version of last year’s Package 2; highest cost | Most expensive |
| Package 2 | Within 2 km | Updated version of last year’s Package 1 | Moderate cost |
| Package 3 | Azizia area | Budget-friendly option | Most economical |
The Ministry of Religious Affairs initially proposed an airfare of USD 1,100 (~BDT 134,000, excluding taxes). The Civil Aviation & Tourism Ministry suggested USD 1,200, creating tension. After discussions, both ministries agreed to reduce the airfare, which is expected to be 8,000–10,000 BDT lower than last year.
Last year, the airfare was BDT 167,820.
Religious Adviser Khalid Hossain stated that discussions also included reducing fees imposed by the National Board of Revenue and Civil Aviation. Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin from the Tourism Ministry added that efforts have been made to minimise costs for Hajj pilgrims.
The 2026 Hajj is expected during the last week of May. The Bangladesh government has instructed full payment by 12 October for registration. Initial registration began on 27 July. By Saturday evening, 954 pilgrims registered under government arrangements and 1,135 under private arrangements.
Farid Ahmed Mazumdar, Secretary of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAB), mentioned that the delay in announcing packages has slowed registration. He expects significant registration activity once the packages are officially announced.
Total Pilgrim Quota
For 2026, a total of 127,198 Bangladeshis will have the opportunity to perform Hajj, combining both government and private arrangements. Due to high costs, Bangladesh has not filled its quota in the past two years.
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