Hajj costs to be cut further: PM
First Hajj flight of 2026 launched from Dhaka with 418 pilgrims onboard
ATT Correspondent 
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said his government will work sincerely to further reduce Hajj expenses from next year, aiming to make the pilgrimage more affordable for Bangladeshi Muslims, reports state news agency BSS.
“We have reduced airfare for Hajj flights by Tk12,000 per ticket this year. We will try to reduce the cost further from next year, InShaAllah, so that pilgrims can perform Hajj at a lower cost,” he said while inaugurating this year’s Hajj flights at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday late night.
The premier noted that the government had limited scope to intervene this year, as most arrangements were finalised before it assumed office. “Still, we tried our level best to provide some relief,” he added.
Seeking prayers from pilgrims, he urged them to remember the nation. “You are guests of Almighty Allah. Pray for the peace and prosperity of the country and its people,” he said, also requesting prayers for his government to address challenges, including unemployment.
The inaugural flight (BG3001), carrying 418 pilgrims, departed for King Abdulaziz International Airport at 00:20. The Prime Minister boarded the aircraft before departure, greeted pilgrims individually, and joined a munajat seeking blessings for successful completion of Hajj rituals.
Earlier, he visited the Ashkona Hajj Camp and exchanged greetings with intending pilgrims.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, a total of 14 Hajj flights are scheduled for the day, including six operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, four by Saudia, and four by Flynas.
Pre-Hajj operations will continue until 21 May, with a total of 207 flights planned. Of these, 102 will be operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 75 by Saudia, and 30 by Flynas.
Bangladesh is expected to send around 78,500 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year, including 4,565 under government management and 73,935 through private agencies. About half of the pilgrims will travel by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, with the remainder flying on Saudia and Flynas.
Subject to moon sighting, the Hajj is expected to take place on 26 May 2026, while return flights are scheduled to begin on 30 May and continue until 1 July.
Officials said airfare reductions and improved coordination this year reflect ongoing efforts to streamline Hajj management and reduce costs for pilgrims.
