DHAKA, Feb 10, (V7N) – Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain on Tuesday said that, like last year, no one will be sent to perform Hajj at government expense this year.

The adviser disclosed the information while talking to reporters at the Secretariat.

He said that after completion of this year’s Hajj, the government would be able to refund more than Tk 3 crore to pilgrims under two government-managed Hajj packages.

AFM Khalid Hossain said he has tried to carry out his responsibilities over the past one and a half years with transparency, accountability and integrity, taking initiatives to activate and streamline the Ministry of Religious Affairs and its subordinate offices and agencies. Several steps were taken to ensure a professional and honest working environment for officials and employees, he added.

Regarding Hajj management, the adviser said that following directives from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, a health service agreement was signed last year with a Saudi medical service company at a cost of two Saudi riyals per pilgrim. Due to sincere efforts and effective negotiations by the interim government, Bangladeshi pilgrims will receive this health service free of cost this year, he said.

Claiming visible improvements in Hajj management following the July revolution, the adviser said special emphasis has been placed on ensuring Hajj at a reasonable cost.

He said that through repeated negotiations with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, airfares for the 2025 Hajj were reduced by around Tk 27,000, while fares for this year have been cut by about Tk 13,000 compared to last year.

This year, the government has introduced three Hajj packages, compared to two last year. To facilitate Muslims with limited and fixed incomes, an affordable package priced at Tk 4,67,167 has been announced, he added.

The adviser said preparations for this year’s Hajj are satisfactory so far, with accommodation, tent and transport contracts for both government and private pilgrims already completed successfully.

He further said that service charges under Hajj Package-3 have been reduced by around 600 Saudi riyals per pilgrim through effective negotiations with service provider companies.

In addition, accommodation for Package-3 pilgrims has been arranged within 1.5 kilometres of the Holy Haram, instead of the earlier plan of 6–8 kilometres, which will reduce transportation difficulties and allow pilgrims to perform five daily prayers at the Haram Sharif more conveniently, he added.

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