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The three-day Hajj and Umrah Fair 2025, organised by the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), concluded at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh–China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka city on Saturday.
The fair, which began on August 14, remained open to visitors from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm daily and aimed to connect intending pilgrims with government-approved Hajj agencies, offering guidance and services ahead of the 2026 Hajj season.
Speaking at the function as the chief guest, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Nasreen Jahan said the task had been made easier for her as the key demand focused only on reducing airfare for Hajj pilgrims.
Emphasising the public–private partnership in Hajj management, she noted that several ministries and organizations are involved and must work together for smoother operations.
“From the very beginning, we will move forward in coordination with all relevant ministries to ensure better Hajj management,” she said, assuring that the proposal to reduce airfare would be considered.
HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar hailed the success of the Hajj and Umrah Fair and sought cuts in airfare and package costs.
Sarwar said the three-day Hajj and Umrah Fair drew an overwhelming response from visitors.
He expressed gratitude to the media, banks, and other sponsors for their support in making the event a success.
Calling for cost reductions, he urged the authorities to bring down the airfare for Hajj pilgrims to Tk 117,000 from the current Tk 167,000.
He also demanded a minimum Tk 50,000 reduction in the overall Hajj package to make the pilgrimage more affordable for devotees.
Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC Managing Director Mosleh Uddin Ahmed and HAAB Secretary General Farid Ahmed Majumder, among others, also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain inaugurated the fair on Thursday (August 14).
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