More than 12,800 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have returned home from Saudi Arabia as of Thursday, following the completion of this year’s Hajj rites, which culminated on June 5. Official data from the Hajj office indicates that a total of 12,877 pilgrims have been repatriated.
Of the returning pilgrims, 1,255 traveled under government management, while the vast majority, 11,622, returned through private arrangements.
Tragically, the Hajj office confirmed that 26 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died in Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimage. The deceased include 23 males and 3 females. Geographically, 17 deaths occurred in Makkah, 8 in Madinah, and one in Arafat. No fatalities were reported in Jeddah, Mina, or Muzdalifah.
Regarding air travel, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has transported 2,908 pilgrims across eight return flights. Saudi national carrier Saudia Airlines has repatriated 4,752 pilgrims via 12 flights, and Saudi-based Flynas Airlines has brought back 5,217 pilgrims on 13 flights. In total, 33 return flights have been operated since the repatriation phase commenced.
Crucial healthcare and IT assistance continue to be provided to Bangladeshi pilgrims remaining in the Kingdom. Saudi medical centers have issued 51,384 automated prescriptions, and IT help desks have delivered 20,835 service interventions to assist pilgrims during their stay. Additionally, Saudi public hospitals have treated 208 Bangladeshi pilgrims, with 19 still receiving medical care.
This year’s Hajj operations commenced with the first outbound flight on April 29 and concluded on May 31. The Ministry of Religious Affairs had approved 70 Hajj agencies to facilitate the pilgrimage. Bangladesh’s Hajj quota for 2025 allocated 5,200 slots for government-managed pilgrims and 81,900 for those under private management.
The return phase officially began on June 10 and is scheduled to continue until July 10. Authorities are closely monitoring the ongoing repatriation and healthcare efforts to ensure the safe and dignified return of all pilgrims to Bangladesh, the Hajj office stated.
