Hajj airfare is expected to be reduced by at least Tk20,000 next year as part of government efforts to lower pilgrimage expenses, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat has said.
“Only the minimum unavoidable airfare will be charged. I hope airfare can be reduced by at least Tk20,000 next year,” the state minister said as chief guest at a Nusuk card distribution ceremony in Dhaka on Monday.
For the first time, pilgrims are receiving Nusuk cards while still in the country, which is expected to significantly reduce hardships. The cards were distributed to pilgrims from 14 agencies travelling for Hajj through lead agency Amin Travels and Tours in collaboration with Saudi’s Rawaf Mina Agency.
The state minister said the government is making utmost efforts to ensure smooth Hajj management. The prime minister held a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with the Hajj Management Committee on Monday and issued various directives.
It was decided that Hajj agencies failing to provide proper services to pilgrims will have their licences revoked. Similarly, 35 officials and employees have been appointed from the civil aviation ministry to serve pilgrims, with dismissal for those failing to provide proper service.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin said the initiative marks an important milestone in modernising Hajj management. “The government will work on how to further reduce Hajj expenses so that everyone can properly perform this obligatory act of worship,” he said.
Hajj Monitoring Committee member MP Shamim Kayser said, “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, we hope to deliver a disciplined Hajj this year.”
HAB Secretary General Farid Ahmad Majumdar described the Nusuk card as extremely important, noting that without it, entry into the Haram Sharif is not permitted. However, he suggested distributing the cards on the flight before departure to prevent loss, as a second card cannot be issued.
The event was chaired by Amin Tours and Travels proprietor Engineer Obaidul Haque and attended by Additional Secretary of the Religious Affairs Ministry Ayatul Islam, Joint Secretary Manjurul Haq, and other officials.
