From simply getting correct directions to helpful pointers for performing Hajj, there are many smartphone apps available just with that aim.

Hajj is one of the main rituals of Islam, and it takes tremendous physical and mental effort, as well as spiritual dedication. Because of the nature of it, like all types of pilgrimage, it can be quite challenging and requires certain preparations too. It's not a matter that can be taken lightly or suddenly decided upon. Hajj demands thorough and meticulous preparation that takes time.

The first Hajj flight from Bangladesh that was scheduled for May 31, has been rescheduled for June 5, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has finally decided to operate this year’s Hajj flights with its own fleet of aircraft, moving away from its earlier decision to ferry Hajj pilgrims with leased aircraft.

Each members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Religious Affairs wants to send three representatives to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj this year.

Hajj agencies will be able to announce separate “special hajj packages” on their own but the pricing of any such package cannot go below the minimum set amount, Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh President M Shahadat Hossain Taslim said today.

The government has proposed Tk 4,56,530 hajj package this year under private management -- around Tk 94,730 more than that of 2020.

Hajj management would be very challenging this year as almost all hajj-related activities are yet to start with just two months to complete those, said organisations involved in it.

This year, hajj pilgrims have to carry negative report of Covid-19 test – done within 72 hours before boarding flight from Bangladesh.

After being closed for two years, the Hajj flights from Bangladesh will resume this year. However, various agencies and stakeholders are concerned that only Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Saudia, Saudi Arabia's national carrier, are permitted to operate the flights, causing potential prices to rise due to monopolisation.

This year’s Hajj flights will start from May 31, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Mahbub Ali said today.

Immigration of all aspirant hajj pilgrims will be completed at Dhaka airport this year, waiving the need to wait in long lines in Saudi Arabia.

Registered intending pilgrims aged over 65 will not be allowed to perform Hajj this year, said State Minister for Religious Affairs, Md Faridul Haque Khan, today.