Tk 48.7m Refund Announced for Hajj Pilgrims

Bangla Press Desk:  The government will refund a total of more than Tk 48.7 million (Tk 4,87,23,014) in surplus funds to 4,341 pilgrims who have performed Hajj this year (2026) under government management.

Religious Affairs Minister Shah Moafazzal Hossain Kaykobad made the disclosure to the media at a press briefing at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday.

"The decision has been taken to return the unspent amount after expenses incurred in various sectors in Saudi Arabia have been settled," he said.

The minister also said that the money is being returned as part of the government's efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in Hajj management.

He said that the money collected from Hajj pilgrims was treated as a deposit and proper accounts were maintained.

"If any money remains unspent after the stipulated expenses have been met, it will be returned to the Hajj pilgrims instead of being kept in the government treasury," he said.

"This will make the government's commitment to transparency in Hajj management more evident," he continued.

He said that over Tk 48 million (Tk 4,87,23,014) remained unspent after the stipulated expenses for various sectors, including accommodation, transportation and food for the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, had been met.

He said Hajj is an important religious obligation, and that is why the government has given importance to ensuring that Hajj pilgrims do not face any harassment or uncertainty from the outset.

"In addition to ensuring services at every stage of Hajj management, efforts have been made to maintain transparency in financial matters," he said.

He said proper accounts had been maintained for expenditure in each sector from the money collected from the pilgrims.

He said that transparency and accountability will be ensured in Hajj management in the future.

State Minister for Religious Affairs Mohammad Shamim Kaiser was also present on the occasion.