Govt seeks Saudi support to reduce Hajj expenses

Bangladesh has urged Saudi Arabia to help reduce the overall cost of Hajj by lowering taxes and charges on pilgrimage flights and reinstating a lower-cost accommodation category, as part of efforts to make the annual pilgrimage more affordable for Bangladeshi pilgrims.

The request was made during a courtesy meeting between Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah ibn Dhafer ibn Ubayya and the Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism at the Secretariat in Dhaka. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat also attended the meeting, according to a press release.

During the discussions, the minister stressed the need to reduce taxes and other charges imposed by the Saudi authorities on Hajj flights, saying such a move would significantly ease the financial burden on thousands of Bangladeshi pilgrims each year.

In response, the Saudi ambassador said the request would receive positive consideration and reaffirmed his country's commitment to extending all possible cooperation. State Minister Millat also raised concerns over the sharp increase in accommodation costs following the discontinuation of Category D lodging in Saudi Arabia.

He said the removal of the lower-cost category had substantially increased expenses for Bangladeshi pilgrims and requested the Saudi authorities to consider restoring it to help reduce the overall cost of Hajj.

The Saudi envoy reiterated his government's commitment to improving services for Bangladeshi pilgrims while making Hajj more affordable. He assured Saudi Arabia's full support for initiatives aimed at enhancing services and reducing costs.

Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in civil aviation, tourism and Hajj management.