Pilgrims for 2017 Hajj will have to spend Tk 381,508

Pilgrims, who want to perform the Hajj this year, will have to spend at least Tk 14,000 more than last year.

Monday’s regular Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, initially approved the ‘National Hajj and Umrah Policy 2017’ and Hajj Package 2017.

Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam briefed the media after the meeting.

"Costs have gone up in several areas. For instance, the Taka has fallen against the Saudi Riyal and US dollar and the house rent also went up," he said.

Air fare has been set at US$ 1,500 and machine-readable passports are a must for pilgrims, added Alam.

Government-offered packages

            >> Package 1: Tk 381, 508 up from Tk 360, 028 last year;

            >> Package 2: Tk 319, 355up from Tk 304, 913 last year;

Base price for private packages    
           
            >> Tk 156,537 up from Tk 155, 441 last year;

            >> Hajj agents will offer packages after adding cost of food, accommodation;

"Each Hajj (travel) agency will have to send at least 150 pilgrims and will not be allowed more than 300," said the Cabinet secretary.

Altogether 127,198 Bangladeshi pilgrims will perform the Hajj this year.

Other than the 10,000 going on government packages, the rest will have to avail private packages.