Dhaka: A total of 50,036 Bangladeshi pilgrims have returned home from Saudi Arabia after performing this year's Hajj, which took place on June 5. The Director of the Hajj office of the Religious Affairs Ministry, M Lokman Hossain, stated that 768 pilgrims are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka today from Saudi Arabia via two flights.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government has instructed all relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia to ensure medical services for Bangladeshi pilgrims during and after the Hajj period. Official data from the Hajj office reveals that 38 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died in Saudi Arabia, comprising 27 males and 11 females. The deaths occurred in Makkah (25), Madinah (11), Arafat (1), and Jeddah (1), with no fatalities reported in Mina or Muzdalifah.
Out of the total returning pilgrims, 5,006 were managed by the government, while 45,030 traveled under private arrangements. The Hajj office reported that Biman Bangladesh Airlines has transported 21,081 pilgrims, Saudia Airlines has brought back 20,514, and 8,441 have returned via Flynas Airlines. A total of 129 return flights have been conducted, with Biman Bangladesh Airlines operating 55, Saudia Airlines 52, and Flynas Airlines 22.
Even though healthcare and IT assistance remain crucial for Bangladeshi pilgrims in the Kingdom, Saudi medical centers have issued 65,510 automated prescriptions, and IT help desks have provided 24,289 service interventions during the pilgrims' stay. Saudi public hospitals have treated 289 Bangladeshi pilgrims, with 25 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 approved 70 Hajj agencies to facilitate the pilgrimage. Bangladesh's Hajj quota for 2025 includes 5,200 government-managed pilgrims and 81,900 under private management. The return phase started on June 10 and will 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, according to the Hajj office.