Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam spoke as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the three-day National Hajj and Umrah Fair-2026. Photo: Ministry

DHAKA, Aug 1, 2026 (BSS) - Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam today said the government is working to ensure an affordable, safe and transparent Hajj management system while taking steps to increase the commission of Hajj agencies.

"Hajj is a sacred journey of spiritual purification. Everyone associated with this holy pilgrimage must perform their responsibilities with honesty and integrity, bearing in mind their accountability before Almighty Allah," she said.

The minister was speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the three-day National Hajj and Umrah Fair-2026, organised by the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital, said a press release here. 

Afroza said the government, under the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has undertaken effective measures to make Hajj more affordable and hassle-free.

The minister said the government would take positive steps to ensure a reasonable increase in the commission for Hajj agencies.

She alleged that in the past, Hajj pilgrims had been compelled to pay excessive airfares because of an airfare syndicate, adding that the government dismantled the syndicate after assuming office.

Afroza said the government reduced Hajj airfare by Tk 36,800 within five months of taking office and had also initiated efforts to reduce the airfare-related levy imposed by the Saudi government.

She sought prayers from the audience for the successful implementation of the commitments made in the current government's election manifesto.

Earlier, a special prayer and munajat were offered at the beginning of the programme, seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of former minister Harunur Rashid Munnu.

HAAB leaders, Hajj and Umrah service providers and a large number of prospective Hajj pilgrims attended the event.