News Flash
DHAKA, Sept 6, 2026 (BSS) - Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) today said Tk 4.87 crore in unspent funds will be returned to 4,341 pilgrims who performed the holy Hajj under government management this year.
“The decision has been taken to return the unspent amount after expenses incurred in various sectors in Saudi Arabia have been settled,” he told a press conference at the Secretariat here.
The minister said the money is being returned as part of the government’s efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in Hajj management.
He said the money collected from Hajj pilgrims was treated as a deposit and proper accounts were maintained.
“If any money remains unspent after the stipulated expenses have been met, it will be returned to the Hajj pilgrims instead of being kept in the government treasury. This will make the government’s commitment to transparency in Hajj management more evident,” he said.
Kaikobad said 4,341 people performed Hajj under government management this year, and Tk 4,87,23,014 remained unspent after the stipulated expenses for various sectors, including accommodation, transportation and food for the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, had been met.
He said Hajj is an important religious obligation, and that is why the government has given importance to ensuring that Hajj pilgrims do not face any harassment or uncertainty from the outset.
“In addition to ensuring services at every stage of Hajj management, efforts have been made to maintain transparency in financial matters,” he said.
He said proper accounts had been maintained for expenditure in each sector from the money collected from the pilgrims.
“Transparency and accountability will be ensured in Hajj management in the future as well,” he said.
State Minister for Religious Affairs Mohammad Shamim Kaiser, among others, was present at the press conference.
