Govt to Announce New Hajj Packages Sunday, Costs to Drop

The government is set to unveil three official Hajj packages for Bangladeshi pilgrims on Sunday, with costs expected to fall compared to this year due to reduced airfare and revised arrangements, officials confirmed.

The announcement will follow a meeting of the Hajj management executive committee at the Secretariat, chaired by the Adviser for Religious Affairs and attended by top representatives from relevant ministries and agencies.

This marks the first time three packages will be offered under government management, an increase from two packages in 2025. Alongside, a single baseline package for private operators will be fixed, below which agencies cannot set their own rates.

Officials said airfare has been the most debated issue. In 2025, airfare was set at Tk 1,67,820, but this year, following discussions between the ministries of Religious Affairs and Civil Aviation, the fare is expected to fall by Tk 8,000 to Tk 10,000, likely settling between Tk 1,55,000 and Tk 1,60,000. The Religious Affairs Ministry has pushed for USD 1,100 (around Tk 1,34,200 excluding tax), while Civil Aviation suggested USD 1,200, with final talks still ongoing.

For government-managed packages in 2026:

Premium Package: Hotels within 500–700 metres of the Haram Sharif, with upgraded facilities, will be the most expensive option.

Standard Package: Accommodation within two kilometres of the Haram Sharif, slightly cheaper than this year’s equivalent.

Economy Package: Accommodation in the Aziziyah area, with costs expected around Tk 4.5 lakh.

In 2025, government packages cost Tk 4,78,242 and Tk 5,75,680, while the minimum private package was Tk 4,83,156. Officials confirmed that private sector packages will also see reduced rates this time.

The ministry is yet to finalise whether food and Qurbani costs will be included or kept separate, with a decision expected before Sunday’s announcement.

Saudi Arabia requires earlier completion of Hajj arrangements for 2026. Bangladesh’s quota remains 1,27,198 pilgrims, though the full number has not been utilised in recent years.

Preliminary registration for next year opened on 27 July with a deposit of Tk 4 lakh. Final registration closes on 12 October. So far, 954 pilgrims have registered under government management and 1,135 under private management, though officials said the pace has been slow due to the delay in announcing package details.

The next Hajj is expected to take place in the last week of May 2026, depending on moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.