Hajj airfare cut to Tk 130,000
The cost has been decreased by Tk 25,000 compared to last year, as part of efforts to make the pilgrimage more affordable
ATT Correspondent 
The government has reduced the airfare for Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims to Tk 130,000 this year, cutting the cost by Tk 25,000 compared with last year as part of efforts to make the pilgrimage more affordable.
The announcement was made by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat while inaugurating the three-day National Hajj and Umrah Fair 2026, organised by the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka on Thursday.
Speaking as the chief guest, Millat said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was committed to ensuring affordable and hassle-free Hajj services for Bangladeshi pilgrims.
"Last year we reduced the airfare by Tk 12,000 per ticket. This year we have been able to cut it by a further Tk 25,000, bringing the airfare down to Tk 130,000," he said.
The state minister also said the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism had requested the Saudi authorities to reduce airport construction charges imposed on Hajj air tickets in an effort to lower travel costs further.
He added that discussions had also been held with the Saudi ambassador on introducing special measures to reduce accommodation costs for Bangladeshi pilgrims.
Millat warned that anyone found cheating Hajj pilgrims would face the toughest possible punishment, stressing the government's commitment to protecting pilgrims from fraud and ensuring quality services.
Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad said only around five percent of Bangladeshi pilgrims performed Hajj under the government management system, while the remaining 95 percent travelled through private Hajj agencies.
He urged Hajj agency owners to maintain high standards of service and avoid any activities that could damage the country's reputation.
Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Khalid Saeed Al Haddal, leaders of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), and prospective Hajj pilgrims also attended the inaugural ceremony.
