Bangladesh has signed a bilateral Hajj agreement with Saudi Arabia for 2027, allowing 83,500 people from the country to perform the pilgrimage next year. The number is 5,000 higher than the original allocation, and it is good news for thousands of Bangladeshi Muslims waiting for a place.
Hajj 2027 Quota for Bangladesh at a Glance
Bangladesh’s original allocation for the 2027 Hajj was 78,500. After the new agreement, the total stands at 83,500. The deal was signed in Jeddah, with Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) representing Bangladesh. Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah signed for Saudi Arabia.
How the Extra 5,000 Places Were Secured
The Bangladeshi minister said the Saudi minister approved the additional 5,000 places immediately after Bangladesh made a special request. The increase came after weeks of pressure from the Hajj sector, which had said the earlier quota was already full.
Government and Private Split Explained
Under the revised allocation, 6,000 pilgrims will perform Hajj under the government-managed system, while 77,500 places will be available through private operators. The private quota was 72,500 before. In simple words, the whole increase goes to private agencies, and the government share stays the same.
The government share has been falling over the years. In 2023, Bangladesh’s total quota was 122,558, and 10,360 pilgrims, around 8%, went under government management. In 2025, 5,200 of a 79,500 quota went under government management, and in 2026 it was 4,565 of 78,500.
Why Hajj Agencies Wanted a Bigger Quota
The demand was clear well before the agreement. By early October, 75,982 people had registered for Hajj next year, 5,090 under government management and 70,892 through private operators. The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) asked for 20,000 more slots. The new quota covers only a part of that request.
Possible Further Increase Later
There may be more places to come. Saudi authorities assured Bangladesh that any extra quota from another country’s unused or cancelled allocation would be considered for Bangladesh on a priority basis. Nothing is confirmed yet, so intending pilgrims should not count on it.
Mina Tent Space Remains a Concern
The minister said tent capacity limits in Mina were discussed while the quota was being decided. Limited space in Mina is a long-running issue for Hajj planning, and it is one reason quotas do not rise quickly.
Hajj 2027 Key Dates for Bangladeshi Pilgrims
According to the government roadmap, Hajj visa issuance will begin on January 28, 2027, and flight operations are scheduled to start on April 8, 2027. Subject to the sighting of the moon, Hajj will be performed on May 15, 2027. The exact date may shift by a day depending on the moon.
Hajj Package Costs in 2027
The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh announced three private packages. The lowest, the economy package, costs Tk 513,545. The association also said the government-approved general Hajj package remains mandatory for private pilgrims. Prices can change, so confirm the final cost with your agency before paying.
Role of Hajj Agencies in 2027
The government gave conditional approval to 702 agencies to take part in Hajj activities in 2027. Agencies that fail to register pilgrims without a valid reason face administrative action. The ministry also warned that no unregistered person will be allowed to travel as a pilgrim. Pilgrims should check that their agency is on the approved list.
What Intending Pilgrims Should Do Next
- Confirm that your registration is complete on the ministry’s e-Hajj system.
- Check that your agency is approved and registered.
- Ask for a written package breakdown before making any payment.
- Keep your passport, health documents and vaccination records ready for visa processing.
- Follow the Ministry of Religious Affairs for official updates, not social media rumours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bangladeshis can perform Hajj in 2027?
A total of 83,500 Bangladeshis can perform Hajj in 2027 under the new agreement.
How many go under government management?
6,000 pilgrims will go under government management.
How many go through private agencies?
77,500 places are available through private agencies.
When does Hajj 2027 start?
Hajj is expected around May 15, 2027, subject to moon sighting.
Can the quota increase again?
It is possible. Saudi Arabia has said it will consider Bangladesh on a priority basis if other countries leave places unused.
