Preparation for the Hajj 2025 season gathers pace in sync with the government and the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) having announced a range of measures for reducing costs, streamlining pilgrim services and tackling longstanding issues such as visa delays and the influence of intermediaries. With a strong focus on affordability, transparency and efficient coordination of the pilgrimage, HAAB is hopeful of a soothing experience for thousands of Bangladeshi pilgrims.
Each year, two to three million Muslims travel to Makkah to perform Hajj-- mandatory pilgrimage for every financially capable and physically able-bodied Muslim adult. This obligation arises from Prophet Muhammad's farewell pilgrimage in 632 AD.
HAAB president Syed Golam Sarwar has stated that for Hajj in 2025, airfare for Bangladeshi pilgrims has been fixed at Tk 167,820 each, covering round-trip flights to and from Saudi Arabia. He welcomes the government decision waiving excise duty and VAT on certain service charges, which has contributed to the lowering of overall Hajj cost.
However, Sarwar points out that air ticket from countries like Indonesia and Malaysia remains cheaper than from Bangladesh, notwithstanding their greater distances from Saudi Arabia. He suggests the government could further reduce the airfare to around Tk 100,000, which would ease the financial burden on pilgrims.
In a recent interview with The Financial Express, the HAAB president shared these insights, emphasising the need for continuous efforts to make Hajj more affordable for Bangladeshi pilgrims. On October 30, 2024, the government announced in advance two Hajj packages for 2025, with significant cost reductions for pilgrims compared to previous years.
Under package one, the minimum cost has been set at Tk 478,241 per head, Tk 100,598 less than last year's rate. Package two will cost pilgrims higher at Tk 575,680. For those traveling under private management, the cost has been fixed at Tk 483,156.
HAAB remains focused on smooth Hajj operations: Despite facing some unexpected setbacks, the association of pilgrimage facilitators remains committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient Hajj operation for Bangladeshi pilgrims this year. According to him, over 87,100 Bangladeshi pilgrims-including those under both government and private arrangements-are preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia for performing Hajj this year. Of them, 5,200 pilgrims will perform Hajj under government management, while approximately 81,900 will travel through private Hajj agencies.
In 2024, a total of 85,257 Bangladeshis traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. Although the country had been allocated a quota of 127,198 pilgrims last year, the full quota was not utilized due to lower registrations. Of the total pilgrims, 4,562 traveled under government management, while 80,695 performed Hajj through private agencies.
The association chief says, "Bangladesh has no control over costs associated with the Saudi Arabian portion of Hajj. Within Bangladesh, airfare is the main expense, and HAAB believes it can be reduced." They have appealed to the interim government for assistance. The rising cost of Hajj packages is attributed to the strengthening US dollar and Saudi Riyal, which has driven up costs globally.
Visa processing underway: Regarding visa issuance for Bangladeshi pilgrims this year, Mr Sarwar says those who have not yet received their visas are currently being processed. He assures that HAAB "is working diligently to ensure all pilgrims receive their visas as soon as possible".
Middlemen are still active to make some bucks from pilgrim services. Sarwar acknowledges the fact, saying that the influence of middlemen continues to pose challenges, occasionally leading to mismanagement. However, he notes that better oversight and improved coordination in recent years have significantly reduced cases of pilgrims being denied the opportunity to perform Hajj after making payment.
Hopes for eliminating intermediaries are pinned on a new app coming to the redemption following advances of technology. To further enhance transparency and eliminate the role of intermediaries, HAAB is preparing to launch a digital app that will allow pilgrims to register directly for Hajj without the involvement of middlemen.
Mr Sarwar notes with optimism that the introduction of this app would be "a major milestone in ensuring fairness and accountability in the Hajj-registration process.
Accommodation finalised, ticketing underway: The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh has said that preparations for the upcoming Hajj are progressing steadily despite facing several challenges, including visa issues and flight-related complications. The HAAB president informs that 100 per cent of house-rent arrangements in Saudi Arabia have already been completed. "All necessary efforts and initiatives are underway to secure air tickets for the pilgrims," he says.
One of the notable developments this year is the issuance of mission visas to a large number of Hajj agencies. Out of the 751 registered agencies, 600 have already received mission visas, which marks a significant administrative step ahead of the pilgrimage. In the context of Hajj, a 'mission visa' refers to a special visa provided by the Saudi authorities for pilgrims traveling under registered agencies, enabling them to perform Hajj under official arrangements.
Umrah visa suspension hits pilgrims hard: This year has not been without its hurdles. In March, the Saudi government abruptly suspended the issuance of Umrah visas without prior notice, reportedly due to overcrowding in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, nearly 30,000 to 33,000 Bangladeshis had already purchased air tickets for Umrah before the taboos took effect.
Against the backdrop of such a brusque turn of events, an exigent refund facility saves the situation. Although there is no official regulation for ticket refunds in such situations, HAAB took proactive measures. "We worked to facilitate refunds, and around Tk 2.0 to Tk 3.0 billion has been returned to the affected Umrah pilgrims," the HAAB president told The Financial Express.
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