Hajj pilgrims to pay extra Tk59k each

The government has decided to increase an additional Tk 59,000 for each intended individual pilgrim for performing the holy hajj in Saudi Arabia this year.
The cost has been increased following an increase in expenditure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
State minister for religious affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan disclosed this development to the media at his secretariat office on Thursday.
Now, an aspirant has to spend more than Tk 0.58 million (Tk 586,340) for pilgrimage under package-01 while Tk 0.52 million (Tk 521,150) for package-02 under government arrangements.
The minimum cost for performing hajj under private managements will be Tk 0.52 million (Tk 522,744) for each pilgrim to perform religious rituals there.
On May 11, the government announced its hajj packages.
"We got details about expenditure on hajj on Wednesday (May 25) from Saudi Arabia," said Mr Khan.
Muallem fee ('C' category) has been increased to more than Tk 0.15 (Tk 105,597) million while it is Tk 70,500 for 'D' category.
However, plane fare, bus service charge and house rent have remained static this year, the minister cited.
He said the would-be pilgrims must deposit this additional amount (Tk 59,000) by May 30.
A total of 57,585 Bangladeshis -- 4,000 under government arrangements and 53,585 under private management -- are expected to perform the holy hajj this time. The holy hajj will be observed on July 08 (Zilhaj 09) subject to the sighting of the moon.
The first hajj flight will start on June 05.
Meanwhile, the government has formed a 138-member medical team to provide medicare to pilgrims there.
The ministry concerned in a circular issued on May 24 formed the medical team that includes 58 doctors, 50 nurses, 21 pharmacists and nine lab technicians and operating-theatre assistants.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com