The first batch of pilgrims departed Dhaka this morning for Saudi Arabia to perform hajj – the largest religious congregation of the Muslims.
A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying 418 hajj pilgrims left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 8:00am. It is scheduled to reach King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah around 11:30am [Saudi local time].
Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon and Religious Affairs Minister Motiur Rahman were present at Hazrat Shahjalal Airport to see off hajjis, ministry sources said.
Two more hajj flights are scheduled to be operated later today, said Shakil Meraj, general manager (public relations) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
Hajj, the largest religious congregation of the Muslims and the holy Eid-ul-Azha is likely to be held in early September this year.
Ibrahim Bahar, president of Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh, told The Daily Star that over 6,500 pilgrims under private management also got their visas.
He added that almost all the private hajj agencies completed accommodation reservation for their pilgrims, and that they deposited required amount in bank accounts authorised by the Saudi authorities.
“The agencies are now busy verifying the confirmation of visas and air tickets for the pilgrims,” he said.
Some 1,27,198 pilgrims from Bangladesh will perform the annual ritual this year.
