Bangladesh Slashes Hajj Fares Again to Ease Pilgrim Costs

The Bangladeshi government has announced an additional reduction of 25,000 BDT in Hajj airfares, fixing the revised price for a round-trip ticket at 130,000 BDT per pilgrim for the 2026 season.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat unveiled the revised airfare structure on Thursday, 30 July, during the opening ceremony of the three-day National Hajj and Umrah Fair 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital. The exhibition was hosted by the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB).

Speaking at the launch, the state minister emphasised that the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman considers ensuring accessible, affordable, and seamless pilgrimage arrangements a top priority. He pointed out that the ministry had secured a price reduction of 12,000 BDT per ticket in the previous year, with this latest 25,000 BDT cut further easing the financial strain on citizens planning the annual pilgrimage.

Efforts to drive down overall expenses remain ongoing. Millat disclosed that the civil aviation ministry has officially approached Saudi authorities to request a reduction in Saudi airport construction levies applied to pilgrim transport. Furthermore, detailed discussions have taken place with the Saudi Ambassador in Dhaka to explore concessions aimed at bringing down lodging and accommodation expenses in the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina.

Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad NDC reminded attendees that private operators facilitate the overwhelming majority of journeys. Private agencies manage roughly 95 per cent of Bangladeshi pilgrims, while only five per cent travel under state arrangements. He cautioned tour operators and agency directors to uphold high service standards and strictly avoid any practices that might damage the nation’s image abroad.

The inaugural function brought together prospective pilgrims, key leaders from HAAB, and international dignitaries, including Khalid Saeed Al Hadal, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Saudi Embassy in Dhaka.