BSS
  08 Sep 2026, 19:12

Govt cuts 2027 Hajj package cost despite including food costs: Minister

Photo: Video Screenshot

SANGSAD BHABAN, Sept 8, 2026 (BSS) - The government has significantly reduced the price of the 2027 Hajj packages, including food costs in the packages, to ease the financial burden on pilgrims, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) told parliament today.

In a statement under Rule 300 of the Rules of Procedure in Parliament today, he said the government had taken several groundbreaking measures to make next year’s Hajj more affordable and easier under the Prime Minister’s specific directives.

The Religious Affairs Minister said the price of Hajj Package-1 was TK  690,577 in 2026. In 2027, it has been reduced to TK  615,223, a reduction of TK  75,354 from the previous year. Food costs of TK 39,136 have also been included in the package.

He said the price of Hajj Package-2 was TK  558,881 in 2026. It has been reduced to TK  505,648 in 2027, down by TK  53,233 from the previous year. Food costs of TK 29,000 have also been included in this package.

The minister said airfare for Hajj pilgrims would also be reduced next year. Airfare was TK 154,830 in 2026, while it has been fixed at TK 130,000 for 2027, a reduction of TK  24,830.

He said the government’s initiative to reduce Hajj costs was an exceptional example. While the costs of various services normally increase over time, the government has reduced airfare and package prices considering the interests of pilgrims.

The minister further said a total of 4,381 pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia under the government’s Hajj management in 2026. After finalising the accounts, TK 48,723,014 remained as a surplus because expenditure in various sectors was lower than the allocated costs.

He said the surplus money was returned directly to the bank accounts of the concerned pilgrims through BFT without any intermediary. He said the government could return the money because of its commitment to transparency and accountability.

Referring to the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj management, the Religious Affairs Minister said this year’s Hajj was completed smoothly and successfully through the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership, strong directives and close monitoring. The Saudi Hajj Minister also praised Bangladesh’s Hajj management.
 
He said serving pilgrims, the guests of Almighty Allah, was one of the government’s main objectives. The government would continue its policy of humanity, honesty, responsibility and accountability in serving pilgrims in the future.