Only 1,217 pilgrims have completed initial registration, amid rising Hajj costs and growing interest in Umrah, while the government pushes to fill the quota
Bangladesh may again fail to fill its Hajj quota in 2027, with only 1,217 people completing initial registration so far, amid rising costs and growing interest in Umrah.
According to the religious affairs ministry’s Hajj portal, 524 had registered through the government channel and 693 through private agencies by Sunday.
Pre-registration stood at 3,593 and 60,129 respectively.
Under the 2027 guidelines, pilgrims must first pre-register with Tk 30,000 using their national ID or passport, then pay Tk 350,000 for initial registration.
Final registration requires payment of the remaining package cost. The registration window opened on Jul 28 and closes Sep 26, with final registration due by Dec 10.
Hajj Packages Become Costlier
The government’s lowest package is Tk 505,648, up 8 percent from Tk 467,137 last year.
However, the ministry says the previous package excluded daily food costs. Its special package has fallen from Tk 690,597 to Tk 615,263.
Private agencies announced packages ranging from Tk 513,545 to Tk 791,060, with the general package at Tk 550,000. The affordable package rose Tk 3,545 from last year.
Quota Unfilled for 3 Years
Saudi Arabia has retained Bangladesh’s quota at 127,198. But Bangladesh sent 78,500 pilgrims in 2026, 87,100 in 2025 and 74,655 in 2024.
Hajj Agents Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) leaders cited Umrah’s popularity, economic hardship and rising costs as key reasons.
Secretary General Farid Ahmed Majumder said misleadingly calling Umrah “small Hajj” was a major factor, while former secretary general Maulana Yakub Sharafati stressed the post-COVID economic downturn.
HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar said people’s incomes had fallen and many could no longer afford Hajj.
Lakshmipur resident Abdul Hannan also blamed rising costs.
Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad said the government was conducting widespread campaigns to fill the quota, warning it could be reduced if left unfilled.
Under Saudi Arabia’s roadmap, Hajj visas begin Jan 28, 2027, flights Apr 8 and Hajj is expected May 15, subject to moon sighting.
Nusuk Masar-related contracts and pilgrim data processing will continue through early 2027.
Source: bangldes
