A total of 85,164 Bangladeshi pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj, following the departure of the final flight from Dhaka last night.
According to the Hajj Office, these pilgrims were transported on 219 flights operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudi Airlines, and Flynas. This year’s Hajj rituals are set to commence on June 5, in accordance with the Arabic lunar calendar.
Of the total Bangladeshi contingent, 5,091 pilgrims are undertaking the pilgrimage under government management, while 80,073 are under the supervision of private Hajj agencies. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has authorized 70 agencies to coordinate these efforts.
Tragically, 15 pilgrims have died in Saudi Arabia thus far due to age-related illnesses or other health complications. Additionally, 160 pilgrims are currently receiving medical care, with 30 admitted to Saudi government hospitals.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines carried 41,902 pilgrims on 108 flights. Saudi Airlines transported 30,789 pilgrims on 80 flights, and Flynas Airlines brought 12,473 pilgrims via 31 flights.
A special meeting of the Hajj delegation-2025 was held last night at the Bangladesh Hajj Office in Mecca, chaired by Additional Secretary M. Matiul Islam. The meeting focused on logistical preparations for the pilgrims’ crucial journey to Mina and Arafat. Members of the IT team conducted a training session, utilizing maps to familiarize pilgrims with the layout of these two key Hajj sites. The Mecca IT Helpdesk has also distributed detailed maps of Mina and Arafat to pilgrims to assist their movement during the rituals.
Officials have confirmed that the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka has issued visas for all registered Bangladeshi pilgrims. The first Hajj flight departed from Dhaka on April 29 with 398 pilgrims. Return flights are scheduled to begin on June 10 and will continue until July 10.
