Minimum private hajj package cost set at Tk 6.72 lakh: HAAB

Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) has announced this year’s minimum hajj package under private management at Tk 6,72, 618.

M Shahadat Hossain, president of HAAB, announced the hajj package during a press conference held at a hotel in Dhaka on Thursday.

This year’s cost for performing hajj under private management increased by Tk 1.49 lakh.

Earlier on Wednesday, the government fixed Tk 6,83,018 as the cost for each pilgrim to perform hajj this year.

The hajj-2023 will be held on the 9th day of Zilhaj (June 28) based on moon sighting.

The government signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia over the hajj on January 9.

According to the agreement, 15,000 people will be able to perform hajj under government management while 1,12,198 can do so under private management.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will carry 50 percent of passengers while Saudia Airlines will carry 50 percent of passengers.

Besides, the age limit for Hajj pilgrims during the pandemic has been lifted by the Saudi government, paving the way for people aged over 65 years for the pilgrims.

According to the ‘Route to Mecca initiative’ deal, all hajj pilgrims will complete their pre-arrival immigration in Dhaka.

In case of Covid vulnerable situation, the Saudi authorities can take a decision about the number of pilgrims.

This year, 70 percent of Bangladeshi pilgrims will go through Jeddah Airport while the rest 30 percent will go through Madinah airport.