Dhaka: A total of 54,397 Bangladeshi pilgrims have successfully returned home after performing the holy Hajj since June 10, with the assistance of three airlines, including the national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the religious affairs ministry’s Hajj office director, M Lokman Hossain, shared that 922 pilgrims are expected to land in Dhaka today across three flights, as confirmed by officials from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Flight management information indicates that Biman Bangladesh Airlines has facilitated the return of 23,900 pilgrims through 63 flights, while Saudi Airlines and Flynas Airlines have carried 22,056 and 8,441 pilgrims respectively, with Saudi Airlines operating 57 flights and Flynas 22 flights.
Officials report that 142 return Hajj flights have been conducted so far. Biman Bangladesh Airlines has operated 63 of these flights, Saudi Airlines 57, and Flynas 22, ensuring the safe return of Bangladeshi Hajis.
Tragically, 40 Bangladeshi pilgrims have passed away in Saudi Arabia during this period, comprising 29 males and 11 females, with deaths occurring in Makkah, Madinah, Arafat, and Jeddah. The Hajj office director expressed this somber news, detailing that 25 pilgrims died in Makkah, 12 in Madinah, one in Arafat, and two in Jeddah.
The Hajj office also reported that Saudi medical centers have issued 66,964 automated prescriptions for Bangladeshi pilgrims and IT help desks have provided 24,580 service interventions to assist pilgrims during their stay. Additionally, Saudi public hospitals have treated 308 Bangladeshi pilgrims, with 19 still receiving medical care in Saudi health facilities.
Hossain emphasized that Bangladesh has requested all concerned authorities in Saudi Arabia to ensure the provision of medical services for Bangladeshi pilgrims during the Hajj and post-Hajj periods.
This year’s Hajj operations began with the first outbound flight on April 29 and concluded on May 31, while the return phase commenced on June 10 and is set to continue until July 10.