Three-Day Hajj, Umrah Fair Opens in Dhaka

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain inaugurated The three-day National Hajj and Umrah Fair 2025 at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon today. Photo collected

The three-day National Hajj and Umrah Fair 2025 began today at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain inaugurated the event, organised by the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB).

The fair offers a one-stop platform for Hajj and Umrah-related services, information, and special discounts. Visitors can collect detailed guides, booklets, and exclusive offers on packages from participating agencies.

Dr Hossain praised the smooth management of Hajj 2025, noting that no complaints were received from Bangladeshi pilgrims. He assured that preparations for Hajj 2026 are already underway, with efforts to address challenges such as dietary preferences, water shortages at Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, and inadequate sleeping arrangements in Mina.

He said the government would request Saudi authorities to provide food better suited to Bangladeshi tastes, ensure adequate water supply, and improve accommodation facilities.

HAAB Secretary General Farid Ahmed highlighted the fair’s role in enabling pilgrims to directly negotiate with agencies, avoiding middlemen. Discounts ranging from Tk 10,000 to Tk 20,000 are being offered on various packages.

However, he expressed concern over possible cost increases due to new rules in the 2026 Hajj roadmap, including mandatory catering services and housing rentals via Muallim. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has already contacted Saudi authorities for clarification.

HAAB President Syed Ghulam Sarwar and other senior members attended the opening ceremony.