Hajj airfare reduced to BDT 130,000: MoCAT State Minister

Dhaka : The Bangladesh government has reduced Hajj airfare to BDT 130,000 per ticket this year and is pursuing additional measures with Saudi authorities to further lower the overall cost of pilgrimage for Bangladeshi pilgrims, State Miniaster for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said on July 30.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the three-day National Hajj and Umrah Fair 2026, organized by the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital, the state minister said the government is committed to ensuring affordable and hassle-free Hajj packages.

He said the airfare for Hajj pilgrims had been reduced by BDT 12,000 last year, while this year the government managed to cut ticket prices by a further BDT 25,000, bringing the airfare down to BDT 130,000.

Millat said the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has requested the Saudi government to reduce the construction tax imposed by Saudi airports on airline tickets, which would help bring down travel costs further.

He also said the government is working to reduce accommodation expenses for Bangladeshi pilgrims. Extensive discussions have already been held with the Saudi ambassador regarding special facilities to lower housing costs during Hajj, he added.

The state minister warned that anyone found cheating Hajj pilgrims would face the maximum legal punishment. He also sought prayers from the audience for the                   successful implementation of the government's election pledges.

Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, said only about five percent of Bangladeshi pilgrims perform Hajj under the government scheme, while the remaining 95 percent travel through private Hajj agencies.

He urged agency owners to avoid any activities that could tarnish the country's image and to ensure quality services for pilgrims.