The Bangladesh government has appealed to Saudi authorities to lower the airport construction levy on airline tickets to reduce travel costs for Hajj pilgrims, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat announced today. He revealed this while inaugurating the three-day National Hajj and Umrah Fair-2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.
"Last year, we reduced airfare by Tk 12,000 per ticket. This year, we have further reduced it by Tk 25,000, bringing the airfare down to Tk 130,000," Millat said. He emphasized the government's commitment to making Hajj more affordable under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The state minister highlighted ongoing discussions with the Saudi Ambassador in Bangladesh to secure special facilities that would reduce accommodation costs for Bangladeshi pilgrims. He warned that anyone found defrauding pilgrims would face the strictest punishment.
Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, NDC, noted that only about five percent of Bangladeshi pilgrims perform Hajj under the government management system, while the remaining 95 percent travel through private Hajj agencies. He urged Hajj agency owners to avoid any activities that could tarnish the country's image or undermine public confidence in Hajj management.
Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Bangladesh Khalid Saeed Al Hadal, HAAB leaders, and prospective Hajj pilgrims attended the inaugural ceremony.
