Minimum cost for hajj pilgrim Tk 3.19 lakh: HAAB

Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) today announced minimum cost of Taka 3,19,355 for each pilgrim for performing hajj this year under private management.

HABB President M Ibrahim Bahar made the announcement of the hajj packages at a press conference in a city hotel this morning.

The minimum package for this year is a bit higher than previous year. "The cost has increased slightly due to depreciation of exchange rate and hike of house rent as well as food," said Bahar.

On January 30, the Cabinet meeting approved the hajj packages for this year. The hajj would be held in September 1 on the basis of sighting moon.

The HAAB President said this year a total of 1,27,198 people would get the chance to perform hajj, of which 10,000 pilgrims would go to Saudi Arabia under government management and 1,17,198 under private management.

"Pre-registration of pilgrims would begin in February 19," hoped Ibrahim Bahar. "If any pilgrim fails to pay the full cost and collect ID by March 30, he or she will not be able to perform Hajj this year."

He requested the authority to restore the previous system which provided a barcode to each agency while two barcodes for over 200 pilgrims.

Bahar also called the people who intend to perform hajj to refrain from depositing money to any middleman.

Referring to the verdict of the Supreme Court that has directed for third carriers alongside Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Saudi Airlines, the HAAB President said, "If the pilgrims are allowed to choose any middle-east based airlines for hajj travel, suffering of pilgrims and ticket syndication will be stopped."

He also urged the authority concerned to announce flight schedules within the shortest possible time.

Replying to a query, Barar said licenses of Hajj agencies should be cancelled if they are found involved in human trafficking in the name of hajj and umrah.

HAAB Secretary General Sheikh Abdullah and other leaders were present at the press conference.