Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain -File Photo

DHAKA, Sept 24, 2025 (BSS) - Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain today said the government always protects interests of pilgrims. 

"As part of the government's various initiatives for Hajj pilgrims, the airfare was reduced by about Tk 27,000 last year. Efforts are underway to fix the airfare at a reasonable level this year too," he said.

Addressing a workshop on increase of pilgrims under the government management in Hajj 2026 at Ashkona hajj office in the city as the chief guest, the Adviser said there was a strong demand for reducing the cost of Hajj, adding, "But it is not possible for the government to reduce the cost, even if we want. Especially in Saudi Arabia end, we cannot reduce cost, determined by the Saudi government. We can only bargain a little on airfare and house rent. We are working to determine the airfares rationally."

Regarding Hajj management, the Adviser said the government has no business purpose. 

"The government does not do any business with Hajj, but rather returns the unspent money of Hajj packages to the pilgrims under the government management. This year, we have returned Tk 8.28 crore to pilgrims," he said.

Dr Khalid said the Hajj management will be easier and safer if the number of pilgrims would increase. "If a significant number of pilgrims go for Hajj under the government management, then we would be able to ensure better services to them."

He requested participants of the workshop to be more active in increasing number of pilgrims under the government management.

Secretary of the ministry AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik chaired the programme, which was also addressed by joint secretary Dr Manjurul Haque.

Among others, additional secretaries Md Ayatul Islam, Md Awal Howlader and Md Imtiaz Ahmed and Islamic Foundation director general A Salam Khan were present.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs hosted the day-long workshop.
Later, the Adviser joined a discussion and prize giving ceremony and prayer mahfil on the occasion of the holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi (PBUH) celebration at Dhaka College.