ISLAM
From Azizia to Haram Sharif: Three-tier Hajj packages planned
The cost of performing Hajj under government management is expected to fall slightly next year due to reduced airfare, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Air tickets, which cost Tk 167,820 this year, are expected to be set between Tk 155,000 and Tk 160,000 for 2026.
Three government packages will be introduced, compared to two this year. The first package offers accommodation within 500–700 meters of the Haram Sharif, the most expensive option. The second provides lodging within 2 kilometers, slightly cheaper than last year’s equivalent. The third is a budget package in Azizia, estimated at around Tk 450,000.
Private Hajj pilgrims will also have one mandatory package set by the government, ensuring agencies cannot undercut the price. This year, government packages cost Tk 478,242 and Tk 575,680, while the minimum private package was Tk 483,156.
Officials confirmed the final announcement will be made on Sunday (28 September) following approval in the executive committee meeting. Registration for Hajj 2026 has already begun with an initial deposit of Tk 400,000, and must be completed by 12 October. The pilgrimage is expected to take place in late May, subject to the sighting of the moon.
Renowned Islamic scholar and public speaker Dr. Zakir Naik is set to visit Bangladesh for the first time on November 28, organizers have confirmed.
Raj, the head of Spark Event Management, told Somoy News that “if everything goes as planned, Dr. Zakir Naik will arrive in Dhaka on November 28 to attend his own event.”
He added that the event is likely to be held in Dhaka’s Agargaon area, though final details will be disclosed after a press conference scheduled for October 20.
This will mark Dr. Naik’s first visit to Bangladesh. Known for his lectures on comparative religion, Dr. Naik has delivered talks in various countries across the Muslim world.
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka | Sunday, October 5, 2025
Islamic Foundation has released today’s official prayer schedule for Dhaka and surrounding areas, based on the sunrise and sunset timings.
According to the schedule:
Fajr: 4:35 AM
Dhuhr: 11:53 AM
Asr: 4:09 PM
Maghrib: 5:53 PM
Isha: 7:06 PM
Sunrise: 5:46 AM | Sunset: 6:00 PM
The Foundation noted that there are slight time variations for divisional cities:
Chattogram (-5 minutes), Sylhet (-6 minutes), Khulna (+3 minutes), Rajshahi (+7 minutes), Rangpur (+8 minutes), and Barishal (+1 minute).
Religious scholars emphasize that maintaining the prayer timetable is an essential act of faith and a means of attaining Allah’s blessings. Punctual prayers bring spiritual peace and discipline to daily life.
Islamic Foundation further explained that each prayer’s timing is set according to the sun’s position —
Fajr begins at dawn and ends before sunrise;
Dhuhr starts after midday;
Asr continues until sunset;
Maghrib begins immediately after sunset;
Isha lasts until midnight.
With modern technology, prayer times are now easily accessible through mobile apps, websites, and digital displays in mosques across the country.
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, prayer timings for Dhaka and its surrounding areas have been announced. The Zuhr prayer will begin at 11:50 am, followed by Asr at 4:04 pm. Maghrib prayer is scheduled for 5:46 pm, while Isha will start at 6:59 pm.
Tomorrow, Fajr prayer will begin at 4:40 am. Sunset in Dhaka today will be at 5:44 pm, and sunrise tomorrow will take place at 5:51 am.
The schedule has been published by the Islamic Research Center, Bashundhara, Dhaka.
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