Bangladesh Government Refunds Over Tk 82 Million to Pilgrims After Successful Hajj

Following a safe and well-organized Hajj operation this year, the Government of Bangladesh has refunded a total of Tk 8.2 crore (82 million) to pilgrims. The refund comes as part of a cost-saving initiative made possible by efficient planning and management by the Ministry of Religious Affairs under the guidance of Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Yunus.

According to Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, Religious Affairs Advisor, the Hajj arrangements this year set a new benchmark globally. Thanks to the directives of the Chief Advisor, the ministry ensured timely payment of official Hajj fees to Saudi Arabia, rented accommodations close to the Haram in Makkah, and provided quality healthcare for Bangladeshi pilgrims at reduced costs.

A total of 87,100 pilgrims from Bangladesh performed Hajj this year. The advisor emphasized that the success of the operation was not only due to government efforts but also the pilgrims’ discipline and adherence to Saudi regulations.

In the past year, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, under Dr. Khalid Hossain's leadership, has also implemented significant reforms beyond the Hajj program. These include:

Hajj Program Highlights:

• The cost of the Hajj package in 2025 was reduced by Tk 73,000 compared to 2024.
• Three new services were introduced:
1. A modern “Labbayk” mobile app.
2. Roaming SIM card services for mobile phones.
3. Prepaid Hajj cards for all pilgrims.
• The ministry operated the Hajj mission with a limited workforce to save public funds.
• Recruitment of 29 new third- and fourth-class employees in the revenue sector.
• Proposal to create 36 new posts currently under review by the Ministry of Finance.
• A plan to upgrade the ministry from a "small" to "medium" category is awaiting approval from the Secretary Committee.

Religious Sector Development:

• Financial Grants:
• Tk 17.16 crore to 2,964 mosques.
• Tk 5.83 crore to 1,043 madrasas and orphanages.
• Tk 3.97 crore to 733 Eidgahs and cemeteries.
• Social Welfare:
• Tk 4.43 crore in aid distributed to 3,140 underprivileged individuals.
• 76,670 employment opportunities created for imams, muezzins, and educated men and women.
• Under the "Mosque-based Child and Mass Education Program (Phase 8)," 145.81 lakh students are receiving Qur’an education, pre-primary and adult literacy.
• Imam-Muezzin Welfare Trust:
• 4,620 individuals received Tk 5,000 each (totaling Tk 2.31 crore).
• 600 individuals received Tk 1.8 crore in interest-free loans.
• Special Projects:
• The project titled “Awareness through Imams for Biodiversity Conservation and Socio-economic Development in the Haor Region” addresses issues like terrorism, drug addiction, violence against women and children, human trafficking, dowry, and child marriage. Imams are delivering awareness speeches before Friday prayers in targeted districts and sub-districts.

Legal and Administrative Reforms:

• A dedicated bench for Waqf-related cases was established in the High Court on June 26.
• A panel of three legal advisors has been appointed to manage ongoing cases.
• Tk 4 crore from the Chief Advisor’s Relief and Welfare Fund was distributed to Durga Puja mandaps via EFT.
• Plans are underway to automate services related to the tenure of nearly 17,000 Waqf estate administrators and management committees. This move is expected to streamline data monitoring and improve transparency.
• The Hajj Office in Dhaka is being upgraded to a full-fledged directorate.