The government has no intention to increase Hajj package, according to State Minister for Religious Affairs Faridul Haque Khan.

“The hajj package will be announced on January 25 or January 30 and the government has an intention to keep the package as it was in the previous year. But there might be a slight increase due to the dollar or riyal price,” he said while talking at a press briefing held at his residence.

As per the moon sighting, the Hajj-2023 will be held on 9th day of Zillhajj that is June 28, 2023, he said.

The government signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia over Hajj on January 9.

This year, a total of 1.27 lakh Bangladeshis will be able to perform Hajj. According to the agreement, 15,000 people will be able to go to Hajj under government management while 1,12,198 can go under private management.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will carry 50 percent passengers while Saudia Airlines will carry 50 percent passengers.

Besides, the age limit for Hajj pilgrims during the pandemic has been lifted by the Saudi government – paving the way for people over 65 to go for the significant pilgrimage.

Also read: 1.27 lakh Bangladeshis to perform hajj this year: State Minister

According to the ‘Route to Mecca initiative’ deal, all hajj pilgrims will complete their pre-arrival immigration in Dhaka.

In case of Covid vulnerable situation, the Saudi authorities can take a decision about the number of the pilgrimage.

This year, 70 percent Bangladeshi pilgrims will go through Jeddah Airport while the rest 30 percent will go through Madinah airport.