Each Hajj pilgrim will have to pay minimum Tk 3.05 lakh for performing the holy ritual under private management this year, announces the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (Haab).

Mentioning that the Hajj might take place on September 10, Haab President Mohammad Ibrahim Bahar yesterday said they had fixed the minimum cost, but the Hajj agents could set different Hajj packages based on their facilities.

“All the fixed money of a pilgrim must be deposited with the religious affairs ministry or the Haab-approved banks or the Hajj agents by June 30,” he told a press conference in a city hotel.

The minimum package includes costs for airfare Tk 1.27 lakh, accommodation Tk 82,740, food Tk 33,600, Muallem fee Tk 22,869 and the rest for other charges, said Bahar.

The minimum costs have been fixed for 40 day's stay in Saudi Arabia, he said, adding that the pilgrims will have to pay extra if their stay is delayed there.

Last year, the Haab fixed Tk 2,96,206 as minimum costs for the Hajj.

However, the government on Monday announced two Hajj packages -- Tk 3,05,000 as minimum cost and Tk 3,60,000 as maximum cost -- for performing the Hajj under the government management.

The interested pilgrims have to register their names through online after paying the government's fixed fees to Sonali Bank.

Online registration for the private arrangement will begin on January 17 and continue till May 30, he said.

He added that the Hajj pilgrims will have to pay for registration, but the amount is yet to be decided.

Around 1,13,868 Hajj pilgrims will perform the Hajj this year. Of them, 5,000 pilgrims will go to Hajj under the government management, while the rest under the private management, according to the Haab.

The Haab president also demanded that the government allow all airlines along with Bangladesh Biman and Saudi Arabian Airlines to carry the pilgrims.

Haab Secretary General Sheikh Abdullah, among others, was present at the press conference.