UNB, Dhaka

The government has announced three official Hajj packages, setting the lowest cost at Tk 4.67 lakh and the highest at Tk 6.90 lakh.

Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain disclosed the details at a press briefing at his ministry yesterday.

Hajj Package-1 (Special), which will cost Tk 6.90 lakh, offers accommodation within a maximum distance of 700 metres from the outer courtyard of the Haram Sharif in Makkah, and in the Markazia (Central) area of Madinah, said the adviser.

Accommodation will be shared by a maximum of five people per room with six attached bathrooms.

Pilgrims will stay in tents located in Zone-2 in Mina, with meals provided by the Moallem, along with D+ category services in Mina and Arafah.

AFM Khalid said Hajj Package-2 is slightly less expensive, estimated at Tk 5,58,881, and pilgrims will be accommodated within 1.2-1.8 km of the outer courtyard of the Haram Sharif in Makkah and in the Markazia area of Madinah.

A maximum of six people will share each room, with attached bathrooms, he said.

Tents will also be set up in Zone-2 in Mina with meals provided by the Moallem and D category services in Mina and Arafah, he added.

Room upgrades to 2- or 3-seaters and short-stay package options in Makkah and Madinah are available under Packages 1 and 2, subject to payment of additional charges.

The usual stay in Saudi Arabia for pilgrims will range from 35-47 days.

However, for short-stay packages, the duration will be between 22-30 days.