Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) announced a general hajj package of Tk4.63 lakh for for Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims this year.
The organization announced their hajj package at a press briefing in Dhaka on Thursday.
At the event, HAAB Secretary General M Shahadat Hossain Taslim said the cost for sacrificing animals was not included in the package. For this, every pilgrim has to spend another Tk19,683.
He said the total airfare is set at Tk1,40,000 and house rent at Tk1,58,056 while the rest would be added accordingly.
Shahadat also mentioned that the money for the Hajj package has to be deposited by May 18.
Flights carrying Bangladeshi pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj will begin on May 31, said the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry.
Earlier, the government announced that the minimum cost under private management will be Tk4,56,530. Under government management, Tk5,27,340 lakh has been fixed as the maximum cost (Package No 1).
Previously, leaders of the Bangladeshi Hajj agencies have urged the government to ensure dedicated Hajj flights so that pilgrims can complete their immigration process before boarding without hassle.
Shahadat Hossain Taslim told Dhaka Tribune that Biman had leased an AirAsia aircraft for Hajj flights last year but it was grounded at Dhaka airport for around four days, leading to sufferings for pilgrims.
“This year, we expect Biman to operate its own dedicated flights so that Hajj pilgrims can complete their journey in a hassle-free manner,” he said, urging Biman to use its own aircraft instead of trusting third parties.
This year, a total 57,856 pilgrims from Bangladesh will be allowed to take part in the Hajj. Among them, 31,000 pilgrims will be carried by Biman and the rest by Saudia and Flynas (if the latter Saudi airline is approved).
Hajj is open to those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and are under the age of 65, added the statement.
Pilgrims travelling from abroad will also need to have a negative PCR test certificate, taken no more than 72 hours before their departure for Saudi Arabia, the statement added.
Last year, only 58,745 pilgrims performed Hajj from across the world because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Before the pandemic, some 2.5 million people used to travel every year to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
