Staff Correspondent

 In an unprecedented step, the government is issuing refunds of unspent funds up to Tk 1,64,190 per pilgrim who performed Hajj under government management in 2026, announced Minister for Religious Affairs Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikoabad) on Sunday.

The refunds stem from lower house rents secured in Saudi Arabia and reduced service charges achieved through negotiations. Addressing a press briefing at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in the Secretariat, the Minister stated that a total of 4,341 government-managed pilgrims will receive Tk 4.87 crore directly transferred to their bank accounts via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). However, 23 pilgrims whose medical expenses exceeded their health insurance cover will not receive refunds.

During the event, the Minister handed over refund checks to ten pilgrims.

Highlighting administrative successes under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain noted that airfares were reduced by Tk 24,830 in 2026, with the 2027 Hajj airfare fixed further down at Tk 1,30,000.

Under Package-1 (Special), pilgrims staying at Hotel Bullora Al Durra will receive between Tk 38,697 and Tk 46,888 for standard and short packages, while those opting for two-seat upgrades will receive refunds up to Tk 1,64,190 (or Tk 1,80,572 including short packages). Under Package-2, refunds range from Tk 2,505 to Tk 78,713 depending on room categories across Hotels Luluat Al Tawhid, Raodhat Al Shuruq, and Manar Al Shuruq. Package-3 pilgrims at Hotel Number One will receive Tk 3,718 each.

The ministry issued a fraud alert clarifying that it never requests debit/credit card numbers or Mobile Financial Services (MFS) PINs/OTPs over the phone for processing refunds.

State Minister for Religious Affairs Mohammad Shamim Quaysar and Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad were present.