Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad has announced that hajj flights for 2026 will commence on April 18, as preparations for this year’s pilgrimage reach the final stage.

He made the announcement on Tuesday while responding to a question during the first session of the Jatiya Sangsad.

In a written query, lawmaker Lutfur Rahman asked whether the government has taken any initiative to reduce the cost of performing hajj and if not, whether such measures would be considered.

Minister Kaikobad then said that all activities related to the 2026 hajj package have been finalized. According to the package, payments for various expenses in both Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have already been completed. Visa processing and other formalities have also been finished in line with the Saudi timeline.

Efforts to reduce hajj costs will be considered during the formulation and announcement of the 2027 hajj package, taking into account pilgrims’ needs, facilities, and the overall situation, he further added.