Hajj agency owners have announced two private packages for next year’s Hajj pilgrimage at a press conference held at the capital’s National Press Club on Wednesday.

The recently dissolved committee of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), represented by former president Faruq Ahmed Sardar, introduced the packages, with the general package priced at Tk5,23,000 and the special package priced at Tk6,99,000, both inclusive of food expenses.

These private packages are notably higher than the government’s Hajj packages, which were recently set at Tk478,242 for the general Package-1 and Tk575,680 for Package-2.

Former HAAB general secretary Farid Ahmed Mojumdar, emphasized that while private agencies must adhere to the government’s base pricing, they have permission to offer a separate special package, which covers additional amenities, including food.

 “Most Hajj pilgrims traveling from Bangladesh are elderly. This year, as per the package, accommodations are three kilometers away from the Haram Sharif, which will cause hardship for them. This will be a very challenging situation for the pilgrims,” he said.

They also advocated for dedicated Hajj flights to handle pre-arrival immigration under the Makkah Route Initiative, which could streamline procedures and avoid disruptions by preventing the use of scheduled flights for Hajj pilgrims.

The Hajj pilgrimage, expected to take place on 5 June 2025, will allow 127,198 pilgrims from Bangladesh, with 10,000 managed by the government and the rest through private agencies.