The cost of performing holy Hajj is set to increase next year despite a Tk24,000 reduction in airfare, primarily driven by a stronger Saudi currency and new mandatory service requirements in the Kingdom.
Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) announced the Hajj packages for 2027 on Tuesday, revealing three distinct categories of pricing.
Under government management, the minimum cost for the pilgrimage has been fixed at Tk5,05,648, while the private management package has been set at Tk5,13,648.
The minister detailed that government-managed pilgrims will have two options, priced at Tk6,15,263 and Tk5,05,648 respectively.
For the private sector, a third package has been established at a cost of Tk5,15,000.
Explaining the overall price hike, the minister noted that the appreciation of the Saudi Riyal and a decision by the Saudi government to make meal arrangements mandatory under their direct supervision have increased the core costs of the Hajj packages.
He further claimed that while the current airfare is lower than it was during the tenure of the previous government, these external factors have pushed the total expenditure upward.
Subject to the sighting of the moon, the holy Hajj is expected to take place on 15 May 2027. The Ministry confirmed that the registration process will conclude on 4 September, with the first Hajj flight scheduled to depart on 8 April.
