Shawdesh desk:

The government has fixed Tk 6,83,018 as the cost for each pilgrim to perform hajj this year.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the executive committee on hajj management with state minister for religious affairs Md Faridul Haque Khan in the chair on Wednesday.

The private hajj agencies will fix their packages in coordination with the government packages.

Hajj-2023 will be held on 9th day of Zillhajj (June 28) depending on moon sighting.

The government signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia over hajj on January 9.

According to the agreement, 15,000 people will be able to go to Hajj under government management while 1,12,198 can go under private management.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will carry 50 per cent passengers while Saudia Airlines will carry 50 per cent passengers.

Besides, the age limit for Hajj pilgrims during the pandemic has been lifted by the Saudi government — paving the way for people over 65 to go for the significant pilgrimage.

According to the ‘Route to Mecca initiative’ deal, all hajj pilgrims will complete their pre-arrival immigration in Dhaka.

In case of Covid vulnerable situation, the Saudi authorities can take a decision about the number of the pilgrimage.

This year, 70 per cent Bangladeshi pilgrims will go through Jeddah Airport while the rest 30 per cent will go through Madinah airport.