Hajj to cost Tk 3.19 lakh

A Hajj pilgrim this year will have to pay Tk 15,000 more than what a pilgrim paid last year to perform the holy ritual under the private management.

The private Hajj agencies have increased the minimum cost to Tk 3.19 lakh for a pilgrim this year. Last year, the minimum cost was Tk 3.05 lakh. 

"The devaluation of taka against Saudi Arabian riyal and US dollar and a hike in the house rent in the Middle Eastern country are among the reasons behind the rising cost this year," said Ibrahim Bahar, president of Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (Haab), at a press conference in a city hotel yesterday.

The Hajj might take place on September 1, he said, adding that the Hajj agents could fix different Hajj packages based on their facilities, but they have to maintain the minimum cost.

The minimum package includes costs for airfare Tk 1.25 lakh, accommodation Tk 89,000, food Tk 34,400, Muallem fee and service charge Tk 35,000 and the rest for other charges, said Bahar.

The minimum costs have been fixed for 40 day's stay in Saudi Arabia, he said, adding that the pilgrims will have to pay extra if their stay is delayed there.

“The pilgrims must deposit the total amount of the packages with the religious affairs ministry or the Haab-approved banks or the Hajj agents by March 30,” Bahar mentioned.

Citing a Supreme Court order that allowed the Hajj pilgrims to choose any airline for Hajj journey, Bahar said there would be no suffering of pilgrims and syndication of ticket would be stopped if the government implements the court order.

On Monday, the cabinet meeting approved two Hajj packages. Under the first package, a pilgrim has to pay Tk 3.81 lakh, up from Tk 3.60 last year. Under the second package, the amount will be Tk 3.19 lakh from previous year's Tk 3.05 lakh.

This year, 117,198 Bangladeshis will perform Hajj under the private management and the number under the government management would be 10,000.