Although the primary registration for the 2025 Hajj began on 1 September and will continue until 30 November through both public and private channels, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has yet to finalise or announce the Hajj fees for the 2025 pilgrimage.
According to the ministry, Hajj agents, and pilgrims, the Hajj fees, which have increased by more than Tk 2 lakh over the last three Hajj seasons, are expected to be reduced by around Tk 1 lakh this year, allowing pilgrims to perform Hajj more comfortably and with reduced expenditure.
In a recent discussion with the media, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain stated that irregularities had been identified in the Hajj process over the past few years. As a result, the Biman authority had raised air ticket prices by more than double during the Hajj seasons, causing increased costs and hardship for pilgrims.
The government is currently investigating these irregularities and will take steps to lower airfares for pilgrims, bringing them to a more reasonable level. However, the final decision will be made after consultation with relevant stakeholders, he assured.
Dr Abdullah Al Naser, President of the Bangladesh Pilgrims and Hajji Welfare Council, told this correspondent that Biman had unjustifiably increased airfares in recent years, leading to difficulties for pilgrims.
"The Hajj agencies usually purchase a Dhaka-Jeddah air ticket for Umrah pilgrims for Tk 75,000 to Tk 80,000 before the Hajj season. However, during the 2024 Hajj season, the same ticket cost Tk 1.98 lakh. If Biman authorities reconsider, tickets could be priced between Tk 1.20 lakh and Tk 1.30 lakh, saving pilgrims approximately Tk 70,000 per ticket.
In addition, the government sets Hajj packages for 40 to 45 days, which could be reduced to 25 to 30 days. This would result in significant savings on accommodation costs for pilgrims. Furthermore, eliminating the provision of an additional 1% charge for house rent, which is unnecessary for pilgrims nowadays, would save even more money," he added.
Dr. Naser further noted that by addressing these issues, the government could significantly reduce the cost of Hajj packages and alleviate the financial burden on ordinary pilgrims.
M. Shahadat Hossain Taslim, President of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), stated earlier that Bangladeshi pilgrims had faced considerable difficulties in recent years due to the unjustified increase in airfares set by Biman. "We have protested, but have had limited success due to their inflexibility. This year, necessary steps will be taken to reduce the cost."
Out of a quota of 1,27,198 Bangladeshi pilgrims, only 83,000 were able to attend the last Hajj season due to the high fees.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the registration deadline will not be extended this year. Any pre-registered or new individual can complete the primary registration by depositing Tk 3 lakh and paying the registration fees. The remainder of the Hajj package price must be paid within the timeframe specified in the package.
The pre-registration fee for both public and private channels is Tk 30,000. The quota for Bangladeshi pilgrims is 1.27 lakh, and once this quota is filled, the primary registration process will automatically close. This year's Hajj package price will be influenced by the costs at the Saudi end and the airfare.
Under the standard Hajj package, up to six people will be accommodated in one room at a home or hotel. However, an option to upgrade the package will be available.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has advised pregnant women and individuals with chronic conditions such as cancer, advanced cardiac diseases, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, infectious tuberculosis, and dementia not to register for Hajj.
