BM Desk : To ensure a smooth and convenient registration process for the Holy Hajj, certain branches of selected banks across the country will remain open on Saturday, October 18. The decision was made by the Bangladesh Bank.
The Department of Off-Site Supervision of Bangladesh Bank issued this directive in a circular on Thursday, October 16, which has been sent to the Managing Directors and Chief Executives of all scheduled banks in the country.
According to the circular, in line with the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ instructions, the designated bank branches have been directed to remain open on Saturday to facilitate the collection of Hajj registration payments for 2026. The branches must remain open with enhanced security measures as long as individuals are present to deposit the registration fees.
Bangladesh Bank further stated that this directive has been issued in the public interest under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991.
According to information from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, preliminary registration for Hajj 2026 began on July 27 and was initially scheduled to continue until October 12. The deadline was later extended to October 16. The final date of Hajj will depend on the sighting of the moon, but it is likely to take place on May 26, 2026.
To be eligible for Hajj, the Ministry has stated that pilgrims must be at least 12 years old and physically and mentally fit.
The government has also announced a reduction in Hajj costs this year. Due to lower airfare, the minimum cost under the 2026 Hajj package has been set at BDT 467,167.
Under government management, three Hajj packages have been announced for 2026, compared to two packages in 2025. In 2025, the cost of Government Package 1 was BDT 478,242, and Package 2 cost BDT 575,680.
Under private management, the minimum Hajj cost was BDT 483,156, based on which private Hajj agencies designed their own packages.
At a press conference held on September 28 at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain announced the Hajj packages for 2026.
As in previous years, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, in coordination with Bangladesh Bank, plans to carry out the Hajj registration and other related activities in a smooth and transparent manner.
