Islami FFs’ Council demands revaluation of Hajj package

Staff Reporter :
Islami Freedom Fighters’ Council on Friday demanded for the reevaluation of the cost of Hajj package to Tk4.50 lakh by reducing the airfare and exempting all types of VAT and taxes.
“If the cost of Hajj package is not reduced to Tk 4.50 lakh, then on March 22, the Islamic Freedom Fighters’ Association will submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister,” the Council leaders said in a human chain formed in front of the Jatiya Press Club in the capital.
Addressing the human chain, the Council President Shahidul Islam Kabir said, “If a satisfactory decision is not reached by March 20, a memorandum will be submitted to the Prime Minister on March 22.”
He said that there is an unnatural increase in the prices of daily necessities during the month of Ramzan, an exorbitant and unjustified expense in performing Hajj, and an inhumane package announced for the pilgrims.
Furthermore, he criticised the government for reducing the price of animal hides during the time of Eid-ul-Azha, which discourages the Muslim community in performing their religious duties.
He said that the practice of performing religious rituals by Muslim leaders in independent Bangladesh is becoming increasingly difficult due to the government’s indifference, negligence, and lack of control over the corrupt and dishonest.
“Although it is the responsibility of the government to announce the Hajj package, they have increased the cost of airfare by about one lakh taka to recover the loss of Biman and to benefit syndicate members,” he stated.
Council’s General Secretary Mufti Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman moderated the human chain.