1,087 Hajj Pilgrims Signed Up As Deadline Approaches

The preliminary registration for the Holy Hajj began on September 1 and will continue until November 30. A total of 1,087 pilgrims have completed the preliminary registration in both government and private sectors within the first month. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has stated that no extension will be granted after this registration period.

As of Friday (October 4), according to Hajj portal data, 634 pilgrims registered through the government channels, while 455 registered through private channels, totaling 1,087.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that it will declare the Hajj package within October. The religious affairs advisor, secretary, and additional secretary of the Hajj department are currently visiting Saudi Arabia, where they will confirm arrangements for housing and costs for pilgrims next year. The advisor will also meet with the Saudi Hajj minister. The delegation, led by the advisor, is set to return to Bangladesh on October 7, after which the Hajj package will be announced by the end of the month.

The ministry has indicated that efforts will be made to reduce the cost of the general Hajj package for 2025 compared to this year.

Hajj agency owners have reported a lack of enthusiasm for preliminary registration due to the absence of a finalized Hajj package. Many are waiting to see the package before making decisions.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has stated that any individual, whether previously or newly pre-registered, can complete the preliminary registration by depositing three lakh taka. The remaining amount for the Hajj package must be paid within the specified time frame.

The pre-registration fee for both government and private channels is 30,000 taka. Next year, the quota for Hajj pilgrims from Bangladesh is set at 127,198. Once this quota is filled, the preliminary registration process will automatically close.

This year, the cost for a general Hajj package through government arrangements was set at 578,840 taka, while a special package cost 936,320 taka. 

In contrast, through private agencies, the minimum cost for a general Hajj package is 589,800 taka, and for a special package, it was 699,300 taka.

Previously, on August 26, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced in a press release that registration for those wishing to go for Hajj in 2025 would start on September 1.

Individuals wishing to perform Hajj through government channels can register via the e-Hajj system (www.hajj.gov.bd) or the e-Hajj BD mobile app at any union digital center, the divisional and district offices of the Islamic Foundation, Baitul Mukarram Mosque, and the Hajj office in Ashkona, Dhaka. Private pilgrims must register through authorized agencies. Pre-registration certificates and passports will be required during the preliminary registration.

Those suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer, advanced cardiac issues, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, infectious tuberculosis, dementia, as well as pregnant women and individuals with mobility issues, are advised not to register for Hajj.