The government is set to announce Hajj 2027 packages this week, according to the ministry concerned and industry insiders.
The present government of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) after assuming office declared to reduce the cost of the Holy Hajj packages.
Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are jointly involved in Hajj management/ fixing the cost of Hajj packages for Bangladeshi pilgrims.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), most of the expenses related with Hajj management cost/ packages done in Saudi Arabia.
On Bangladesh part, air fare is the main of the Hajj package cost.
An official of MoRA told the FE that the government was seriously considering reducing air fare cost for Hajj 2027.
He said that the overall cost/ Hajj packages will remain almost same like Hajj 2026 even the price of air fare is reduced.
He said that food costs that will be included in the Hajj packages along with increased expenses of different services in Saudi Arabia and devaluation of Bangladeshi taka against Saudi Riyal are the main reasons for high cost of Hajj packages.
He further said that the government is likely to announce two Hajj packages for 2027 during the current week.
He said that there will be no Hajj package-1 (one) which is expensive.
He said that the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) will declare their packages in line with the government packages.
As per the Saudi government roadmap, the government has announced Hajj pre-registration and other completing other formalities much earlier for Hajj 2027 compared to Hajj 2026.
The MoRA is trying to announce Hajj packages as early as possible following the decision of the Saudi government.
The MoRA sources said that the government would soon announce Hajj packages once it finalises air fare (Dhaka- Jeddah and Dhaka -Madinah/ both ways).
The religious affairs ministry attempted two times (Tuesday and Wednesday during the last week) for announcing Hajj packages but couldn't announce following not fixing air fare.
Sources said that the MoRA is not satisfied with the proposed air fare put forward by the ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism for per Hajj pilgrim.
The MoRA will finalise the Hajj packages once an affordable air fare is fixed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
The Holy Hajj will be performed on May 15, 2027 subject to the sighting of the moon.
The air fare for Hajj 2026 was Tk 1,54,830 for per pilgrim ( departure and return).
Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Flynas (Saudi air company) had carried Hajj pilgrims ( 50 percent Biman and the rest 50 percent by Saudi Arabian Airlines and Flynas).
The government Hajj package -1 cost was Tk 6,90,597 while package -2 was Tk 5,58,881 and package -3 was 4,67,167 for Hajj 2026.
One the other hand under private management special Hajj package was Tk 7,50,000 for Hajj 2026 while the general package was Tk 5,50,000 and competitive package was Tk 5,10,000.
An official at the ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism said that the air fare may be reduced at least Tk 15,000 for per Hajj pilgrim for Hajj 2027.
Meanwhile private airline US- Bangla Airlines has proposed air fare at Tk 98,000 (departure and return).
According to the MoRA, the Saudi government will provide services to pilgrims for Hajj 2027 under a comprehensive package.
The Saudi government will stop providing D- category (competitive price) service from 2027.
Besides, the house rent for Hajj pilgrims will be increased during Hajj 2027.
The Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims must (compulsorily) take Saudi catering services during Hajj 2027.
During Hajj 2026, Bangladeshi pilgrims could take their foods upon their choices.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
