Dhaka, Apr 20 (V7N) — The government has expressed its intention to keep the cost of Hajj within the reach of middle-income families next year, said State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat.

He made the remarks after visiting the Ashkona Hajj Camp in the capital on Monday morning.

Efforts to reduce Hajj expenses

The State Minister said that authorities are working on reducing overall Hajj costs, adding that airfares have already been reduced by Tk 12,000.

He emphasized that steps are being taken to ensure affordability for pilgrims while maintaining service quality.

Monitoring services and complaints

Responding to complaints regarding food quality at the camp canteen, he said that the government is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that no pilgrim faces difficulties.

He also noted that mosquito control measures are being regularly supervised following complaints from pilgrims.

Ongoing Hajj operations

On the third day of Hajj flights, more than 5,000 pilgrims are scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia on 13 flights operated by three airlines.

Officials said that around 16% of the total pilgrims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia.

This year, a total of 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to perform Hajj under government and private arrangements.

END/SMA/AJ