Dhaka, Feb 10 (V7N) — For the second consecutive year, no Hajj pilgrims will be sent at government expense, and this year, pilgrims are set to receive a refund exceeding 3 crore taka, said Religious Affairs Advisor Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain on Tuesday.

He made the remarks during a press briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday morning (February 10).

Dr. Khalid Hossain said that Hajj management has improved significantly over the last two years through transparency and accountability, resulting in a reduction of airfare by 40,000 taka. The airfare for the 2026 Hajj has been fixed at 1 lakh 54 thousand taka.

He also highlighted the technological improvements introduced during the last Hajj, including the ‘Labbaik’ app, prepaid cards, and mobile roaming facilities. This year, three Hajj packages have been announced, with the affordable package priced at 4 lakh 67 thousand taka.

The Religious Affairs Advisor said that preparations for this year’s Hajj are satisfactory, with accommodation arranged near the Haram Sharif to reduce the hardships of pilgrims.

END/SMA/AJ