The Hajj stakeholders stressed that many aspirants will be unable to perform Hajj this year due to steep rise in ticket prices and accommodation costs

Stakeholders in the Hajj industry have criticized the recent statement from the Ministry of Religious Affairs on the Hajj package price as “irresponsible” and “anti-people.”

On Sunday, the Ministry of Religious Affairs in a statement said that this year's Hajj package would be the cheapest for the foreseeable future, and the packages would only grow more expensive in the coming years.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Pilgrims and Hajji Welfare Council (BPHWC), The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) and Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) yesterday criticized the ministry's statement and urged to take necessary steps to reduce the Hajj cost.

The Hajj stakeholders stressed that many aspirants will be unable to perform Hajj this year due to steep rise in ticket prices and accommodation costs.

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An Industry insider said: “If the Saudi government reduces the cost of various Hajj services next year, then the cost of Hajj might also decrease. So, it is not yet the proper time to tell what will happen next year.”

HAAB President M Shahadat Hossain told Dhaka Tribune: “If the Saudi government reduces transportation costs, visa fees, cost of Mina-Arafat-Muzdalifah and other services that are done in exchange for money, then the cost of the Hajj package will naturally decrease.”

The Ministry of Religious Affairs said there has been a problem in finding hotels this year due to the recent global situation and the demolition of various hotels near the Haram Sharif in Saudi Arabia. That is why the hotels are being rented for more money.

HC issues rule against high Hajj package cost

Also yesterday, the High Court (HC) issued a ruling asking why the Hajj package announced by the government should not be declared illegal.

On March 12, a writ was filed seeking the HC's directives for a cut in this year's government-announced Hajj package.

Government officials and offices concerned have been directed to respond to the ruling within the next four weeks.

The government has once again extended the deadline for the registration for Hajj until April 5 in a bid to fill the quota.

The government recently reduced the cost of Hajj packages under both public and private management by Tk11,725 as Saudi Arabia had reduced a service charge for intending pilgrims worldwide.

Pilgrims who will perform Hajj under the government management must pay Tk6,71,290 each after the deduction of Tk11,725.