Religious affairs ministry orders to reduce Hajj pilgrims' air fare

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has finally instructed the relevant authorities to reduce the Hajj pilgrims' air fares in a reasonable manner after repeatedly extending the registration deadline. On Thursday (March 16), this was informed in a press release. 

This year, the air fare for each pilgrim is fixed at 1 lakh 97 thousand and 797 taka. The high fare was criticized widely. Later, two rounds of legal notices were sent to the Ministry of Religion and Hajj concerned team to modify the Hajj package. Even on March 12, a writ was filed in the High Court to reduce the cost of Hajj.

Then on March 15, the High Court gave a verbal order to the chief legal officer of the state, Attorney General to talk to the government officials to reduce the cost of the Hajj package. In light of the High Court directives, the managing director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines was recommended to reduce the rent from 1 lakh 97 thousand and 797 taka to 1 lakh and 50 thousand taka, in the meeting of the parliamentary committee related to the Ministry of Religion.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religion has extended the deadline of registration for Hajj till March 21. The registration period has been extended for four times this time. Hajj can be held on June 27 subject to moon sighting.