The government on Sunday announced three Hajj packages for 2026.
The first package will cost Tk 0.69 million (Tk 690,597), the second one Tk 0.55 million (Tk 558,881), and the third Tk 0.46 million (Tk 467,167).
Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain unveiled the packages at a press briefing at his Bangladesh Secretariat office.
He said Saudi Arabia would allow 127,198 Bangladeshis to perform Hajj next year.
"We have reduced Saudi Arabia airfare to Tk 154,830 from Tk 167,820," he said.
He also said if someone above the age of 70 or 80 wished to perform Hajj, they must be accompanied by an individual under 50.
Additionally, Dr Hossain said, anyone suffering from infectious diseases would not be permitted to go on the pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, the general Hajj package price under private management has been set at Tk 509,185.
The authorised agencies will get the opportunity to announce two additional packages.
Individuals who are physically and mentally sound, and above the age of 12, are eligible to apply for the pilgrimage.
According to the religious affairs ministry, the Hajj agencies would not be allowed to announce packages costing less than the government ones.
There were two government packages for the 2025 Hajj - Tk 0.478 million (Tk 478,242) and Tk 0.575 million (Tk 575,680).
The lowest package cost under private management was Tk 0.473 million (Tk 4,83,156).
The upcoming Hajj is subject to the sighting of the moon and is likely to be held in late May 2026.
As per the Saudi Arabian government's decision, the intending pilgrims must register by October 12 this year for the 2026 Hajj.
Besides, they must pay their package prices within the deadline.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
