Dhaka: A total of 25,377 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have returned home from Saudi Arabia as of Wednesday following the completion of this year's Hajj held on June 26.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a total of 62 return flights were operated by three designated carriers. Of these, Biman Bangladesh Airlines conducted 19 flights, Saudia Airlines managed 24, and Flynas Airlines operated another 19. The Hajj office reported that 2,500 Hajis returned under government management, while 22,877 were facilitated by private travel agencies in these flights.
Tragically, a total of 45 Bangladeshi pilgrims passed away in Saudi Arabia during Hajj. Among the deceased, 29 were males and 16 females. The fatalities were concentrated in Makkah, where 34 pilgrims died, and in Madinah, which reported 11 deaths. Fortunately, there were no reported deaths in Jeddah, Mina, or Muzdalifah.
In addition to the fatalities, 251 Hajis received treatment for various diseases in Saudi Arabian hospitals, with 17 requiring hospitalization. The Saudi Arabian medical centers provided treatment to 55,286 pilgrims, and IT help desks assisted 25,100 Hajis in Makkah and Madinah.
This year's Hajj operations began with the first outbound flight on April 18 and concluded on May 21. The return Hajj flights resumed operation on May 30 and are scheduled to continue until June 30.