Bangladesh

Government Refunds Unspent Hajj Funds, Announces Lower Costs for 2027

08 September 2026 19:09 PM

NEWS DESK

The government has refunded Tk 4.87 crore in unspent Hajj funds to the bank accounts of 4,341 pilgrims who performed Hajj under the government management system in 2026.

At the same time, the government has announced significant reductions in the cost of government-run Hajj packages for 2027, including a cut in airfare.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad disclosed the information in a statement under Rule 300 of the Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday afternoon. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal presided over the session.

In his statement, the minister said serving the pilgrims, or “guests of Allah,” is the government’s sole commitment.

He attributed the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj to the “far-sighted leadership, firm guidance and close monitoring” of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

According to the minister, the government was able to reduce costs across all Hajj packages by maintaining transparency and sincerity in the management of expenses under the prime minister’s directives.

After completing sector-wise expenditure calculations, a total of Tk 4,87,23,014 in surplus funds was returned directly to the bank accounts of 4,341 pilgrims through Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), without the involvement of any intermediary.

The minister also presented details of the refunds by package.

For Hajj Package-1 in 2026, which had a base cost of Tk 6,90,597 excluding food expenses, pilgrims under the full and short packages received refunds of Tk 38,697 and Tk 46,888 respectively.

In addition, pilgrims under the same package received refunds of up to Tk 1,80,572, depending on their seat-upgrade arrangements.

Under Package-2, pilgrims received refunds ranging from Tk 2,505 to Tk 78,713 per person. Pilgrims under the

Hajj funds government