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TL;DR
- Bangladesh’s interim government to reduce Hajj costs for 2025 by Tk25,000-Tk30,000 through lower airfares, tax exemptions, and accommodations within 2.5km of Kaaba Sharif
- Hajj agreement with Saudi Arabia to be signed on January 13, 2025, with Bangladesh allocated 127,198 pilgrim quota for the first week of June 2025
- Registration for Hajj 2025 open until November 30, requiring Tk300,000 deposit; 1,988 registered under government management and 63,828 through agencies as of October 28
- Biman Bangladesh Airlines proposes Tk20,000 airfare reduction to Tk1.75 lakh; government considers waiving VAT, taxes, and airport usage fee for additional Tk10,000 cost reduction
The interim government of Bangladesh is set to significantly reduce the overall costs for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. According to a senior official from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the total expense is expected to decrease by Tk25,000 to Tk30,000 compared to the previous year. This reduction is primarily attributed to lower airfares and tax exemptions in certain circumstances.
A key meeting of the executive committee on Hajj management is scheduled for October 30 at the Secretariat to finalize the 2025 Hajj package. Religious Affairs Advisor AFM Khalid Hossain will chair the meeting.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that airfares are expected to decrease by Tk20,000. Discussions are also underway to lower taxes and VAT in specific cases. However, the potential for further cost reduction is limited due to the rise in currency exchange rates. The Saudi riyal, which was valued at Tk29.74 during the last Hajj season, now exceeds Tk32. Consequently, the cost set by Saudi Arabia is expected to increase by Tk23,000 to Tk24,000.
The government plans to arrange accommodations for pilgrims within one and a half to two and a half kilometers from the Kaaba Sharif. Unlike previous years, there will be no special package offered for the 2025 Hajj.
The Hajj is likely to take place in the first week of June 2025, with Bangladesh allocated a quota of 127,198 pilgrims. A Hajj agreement with Saudi Arabia is scheduled to be signed on January 13, 2025.
Registration for aspiring Hajj pilgrims began on September 1, 2024. As of October 28, 1,988 individuals have completed registration under government management, while 63,828 have registered through Hajj agencies. A preliminary registration deposit of Tk300,000 is required, with the remaining balance to be paid within the specified timeframe for each package. Registration will remain open until November 30.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has proposed to reduce its airfare by Tk20,000, bringing the total cost to Tk1.75 lakh, down from last year’s Tk1.94 lakh. The government is also considering waiving VAT and taxes for Hajj passengers and exempting them from the airport usage fee, which could further decrease costs by Tk10,000.
In 2024, pilgrims paid Tk5.78 lakh under the general package and Tk9.36 lakh under the special package. The minimum cost under private management was set at Tk5.89 lakh, while the special package was priced at Tk6.77 lakh.
These measures aim to make the Hajj pilgrimage more accessible and affordable for Bangladeshi Muslims, reflecting the government’s commitment to facilitating religious obligations while managing economic considerations.
Source: TBS news
