The government has announced a new Hajj package for next year, introducing an additional package and reducing the airfare by approximately 13,000 Taka compared to last year. However, the health insurance cost is increasing.
At a press conference held at the Secretariat on Sunday, Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain announced the Hajj package for 2026.
The new package, under government management, has a minimum cost of 467,167 Taka. Additionally, the airfare for next year will be reduced by 12,990 Taka. Last year, the airfare was 167,820 Taka, and this year it has been set at 154,830 Taka.
The Religious Affairs Ministry stated that the preliminary registration for those interested in performing Hajj next year began on July 27 and will end on October 12. A deposit of 3.5 lakh Taka is required for preliminary registration. Next year, 127,198 people from Bangladesh will be able to perform Hajj.
The Religious Affairs Adviser mentioned that three packages have been determined for government-managed Hajj: 'Hajj Package-1 (Special)', 'Hajj Package-2', and 'Hajj Package-3'. Package-1 offers accommodation within 700 meters of the Haram Sharif in Mecca and in the Mar Kazia or Central Area in Medina, costing 610,597 Taka.
Package-2 is slightly more affordable, offering accommodation between 1.2 km and 1.8 km from the Haram Sharif in Mecca and in the Mar Kazia or Central Area in Medina, costing 558,881 Taka.
Package-3 is a more economical option, providing accommodation in the Azizia area in Mecca and outside the Mar Kazia area in Medina, costing 467,167 Taka. This is a new addition for government-managed Hajj pilgrims, as previously, government-managed pilgrims were not accommodated in the Azizia area.
Next year, the Saudi government has increased the health insurance cost to 130 Saudi Riyal, approximately 42,700 Taka.
The Religious Affairs Adviser informed that a 'Private Sector General Hajj Package' has been determined for Hajj agencies, costing 501,185 Taka. Agencies can announce two additional packages with government approval.
Each pilgrim must carry a minimum of 35 Saudi Riyal per day for food expenses. Tent rent in Mina and Arafat has increased by 4.2%. It is mandatory to deposit 720 Saudi Riyal, approximately 23,652 Taka, for 'Dama Shokor (Qurbani)' on the Nusuk Masaar platform. This year, for the first time, Dama Shokor costs are included in the Hajj package.
Depending on the sighting of the moon, Hajj may be held on May 26 next year. The Religious Affairs Ministry stated that individuals aged 12 years and above, who are physically and mentally fit, can perform Hajj.
The full package cost must be deposited by December 31. The Hajj contract must be signed by November 9, and rent and transportation contracts must be completed by February 1 next year. Hajj visa issuance will begin on February 8, and Hajj flights will start on April 18.
