Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad). File photo

SANGSAD BHABAN, July 13, 2026 (BSS) – The government has implemented a range of special measures to ensure safe travel, improved accommodation and round-the-clock healthcare services for Bangladeshi pilgrims performing Hajj in 2026, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) said today.

He also said the government is implementing a well-defined plan to make Hajj more affordable for ordinary people in the coming years.

The minister made the remarks in a written reply to a question from treasury bench member Md Abdullah (Munshiganj-1) in the Jatiya Sangsad. 

The minister said the airfare for Hajj pilgrims has been reduced by Tk 12,990 compared to the previous year and fixed at Tk 154,830 for 2026. Safe transportation has been ensured through dedicated flights operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia and Flynas.

He said the government has introduced three Hajj packages under the public management system this year—Package-1, Package-2 and Package-3. Under these packages, quality accommodation has been arranged within 700 metres, 1.2 kilometres and 1.5 kilometres respectively from the outer courtyard of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.

The minister said a Hajj medical team comprising adequate numbers of doctors, nurses and pharmacists has been deployed to provide free medicines and primary healthcare services to Bangladeshi pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah. The government has also provided meningitis and influenza vaccines free of cost.

He said the “Labbaik” mobile application has been introduced to make Hajj travel easier, safer and more technology-driven. Special mobile roaming facilities and Hajj prepaid cards have also been made available for pilgrims.

Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain said the government is sincerely working to further reduce Hajj costs in the coming years to bring the pilgrimage within the reach of more people. In this regard, discussions are continuing with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism to reduce airfare.

He added that diplomatic efforts are also underway through bilateral discussions with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to reduce various service charges, Moallem fees and the cost of tents in Mina and Arafat.

The minister further said a 24-hour call centre (16136) has been launched to provide Hajj-related services to people across the country. In addition, facilities for Hajj pre-registration and registration have been made available through the e-Hajj system.