Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain has said the government remains committed to safeguarding the best interests of Hajj pilgrims.

He recalled that airfares were reduced by around Tk 27,000 last year and added that efforts are underway this year as well to keep ticket prices at a reasonable level.

The adviser was speaking on Wednesday at a workshop on increasing the number of pilgrims under government management for Hajj 2026, held at the Dhaka Hajj Office conference room in Ashkona.

Dr Khalid said there is strong public demand to reduce Hajj expenses, but it is not possible for the government to lower costs at will. 

“We cannot reduce expenses determined by the Saudi government, particularly on their end. We can only negotiate to some extent on airfare and house rent. We are working to rationally determine airfares,” he said.

He stressed that the government has no commercial interest in Hajj management. “The government does not do business with Hajj. Instead, unspent funds from government packages are refunded to pilgrims. This year, Tk 8.28 crore has been returned to pilgrims going through the government channel,” Adviser Khalid said.

According to the adviser, the higher the number of pilgrims opting for the government channel, the easier and safer Hajj management becomes. He urged participants at the workshop to make further efforts to increase enrolment through government packages.

The day-long workshop was organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, with officials from the ministry, Dhaka Hajj Office, Islamic Foundation headquarters, divisional and district offices and Imam Training Academy taking part.

Later, the adviser attended a programme at Dhaka College, where he spoke at a discussion, award-giving ceremony and doa mahfil organised to mark Eid-e-Miladunnabi (SAW).