The government has commenced disbursing Tk 4.87 crore in unspent Hajj funds to 4,341 pilgrims who undertook the pilgrimage under the state-run scheme this year, with the surplus stemming chiefly from lower accommodation costs and reduced service charges.
Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad announced the refund at a press conference in Dhaka on Sunday, confirming that funds would be transferred directly into pilgrims’ bank accounts.
Refund amounts vary according to Hajj package, accommodation category and optional upgrades, ranging from Tk 2,505 to over Tk 1.80 lakh per pilgrim. Ten beneficiaries were symbolically presented with cheques at the press conference, while the remainder were expected to receive their payments directly the same day; however, 23 pilgrims will be excluded, as their medical expenses exceeded the coverage provided under their health insurance.
The minister further cautioned pilgrims against fraudulent schemes, emphasising that government agencies never solicit debit or credit card details or mobile banking PINs by phone when processing refunds or disbursements.
The ministry also pointed to broader cost reductions underpinning this year’s affordability push, including a Tk 24,830 cut in airfare compared with the previous year, with fares for the 2027 Hajj reportedly fixed at Tk 130,000. Lower-than-projected accommodation expenses and renegotiated service charges likewise contributed to the surplus, which officials say demonstrates enhanced transparency and accountability in administering the state-run Hajj programme.
