The cost for each hajj pilgrim has increased by Tk 338,015 this year in comparison with that of 2019, taking into account the amount set by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) highlighted the information in a letter - sent recently to the Prime Minister (PM).
In the letter, also made available to the media, the travel agents urged the government to review the hajj package price, including plane fare, to keep the cost within the reach of pilgrims.
The ATAB also mentioned that the plane fare alone has increased by around 30 per cent this year.
The round trip cost of a pilgrim is now up by Tk 58,000 to Tk 1,98,000 for this year, according to the letter.
The trade-body said minimum cost of a hajj package was Tk 2,96,206 in 2015, which gradually kept increasing. The cost was Tk 5,27,340 last year, while the package has been fixed at Tk 6,83,015 this year.
"If the trend continues, most Bangladeshi pilgrims are likely to lose their capacity to go for hajj in future."
The hajj package price has been increased in line with rise in plane fare, while the value of Saudi currency was also considered. The prevailing dollar crisis due to the global economic slowdown will result in increased cost for the hajj pilgrims, the ATAB opined.
However, the value of Bangladeshi currency is likely to increase during the hajj season, it added.
