Hajj becomes less expensive for Bangladeshis

The government has introduced two cost-effective Hajj packages for the upcoming year, reducing expenses compared to the previous year. 

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain announced the “Hajj Package 2025” during a press briefing at the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Wednesday.

Under the newly announced affordable package, the cost is set at Tk4,79,242, allowing each pilgrim in the government program to save Tk159,800 compared to last year. 

The other package is priced at Tk5,75,680.

In 2024, pilgrims who participated in Hajj under the government’s arrangement paid Tk5,78,840 for the standard package, while the special Hajj package cost Tk9,36,320. 

The adviser also confirmed that there will be no special package offered this year.

A special notice issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs on October 24 announced that initial Hajj registration will remain open until November 30. 

Those pre-registered for Hajj are requested to deposit Tk300,000 in the bank to complete initial registration, with the option to complete both pre-registration and initial registration simultaneously during this period.

In 2025, Bangladesh's Hajj quota is set at 127,198 pilgrims. 

Once this quota is reached, the initial registration process will automatically close. Based on the lunar calendar, Hajj is expected to take place on June 5, 2025.

Package details

Religious Affairs adviser announced two Hajj packages. 

One includes accommodations within 1–1.5km of the Holy Kaaba, while the other offers lodging within 2.5–3km. 

Both packages provide transportation and quality accommodation. The cost of Standard Hajj Package-1 is set at Tk4,78,242, and Standard Hajj Package-2 is priced at Tk5,75,680.

The private general Hajj package price is set at Tk4,83,156, with agencies permitted to offer additional special packages.

Govt standard Hajj package 1

Pilgrims will stay within 3km of the Al Haram in Mecca, with bus service provided. 

In Medina, lodging will be within a maximum distance of 1.5km from Al Masjid an Nabawi.

In Mina, pilgrims will be in the Green Zone (Zone-5) with ‘D’ category services in Mina and Arafat. 

Transportation will be provided by bus from Mecca’s hotels to tents in Mina and by train between Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina. 

Meals will be arranged by Moallims in Mina and Arafat.

Rooms in both Mecca and Medina will accommodate up to six pilgrims, each with an attached bathroom and refrigerator. 

The government will also provide free medication and primary healthcare services in Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah.

A guide will be assigned for every 46 pilgrims. Each pilgrim must carry at least Tk40,000 (in Saudi Riyals) for meals and an additional 750 Saudi Riyals for Qurbani.

Govt standard Hajj package 2

Lodging will be within 1.5km of the Al Haram in Mecca, with accommodations in the Markazia (Central Area) of Medina. 

Pilgrims will be stationed in the Yellow Zone (Zone-2) in Mina, with upgraded “D” category services in Mina and Arafat.

Buses will transport pilgrims from their hotels to the tents in Mina, with train service between Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and back to Mina.

In both Mecca and Medina, each room will house up to six pilgrims with attached bathrooms and refrigerators. 

Free healthcare services will be provided by the government in Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah.

A guide will be assigned to every 46 pilgrims. Each pilgrim must carry a minimum of Tk40,000 Taka (in Saudi Riyals) for meals and an additional 750 Saudi Riyals for Qurbani.

The Religious Affairs Adviser emphasized that the Ministry of Religious Affairs serves to provide services, not to generate profit.