Dhaka: Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain announced today that 74,316 out of the total 87,100 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform the Holy Hajj. The remaining pilgrims are expected to reach by May 31, with all necessary preparations completed by the Religious Affairs Ministry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khalid Hossain shared these updates during a press briefing at the Ashkona Hajj Camp near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He highlighted that in previous years, many pilgrims were unable to perform Hajj due to high airfares. However, this year, efforts led by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus have resulted in a reduction of airfares by Taka 26,980 per pilgrim. Additionally, the government has provided vaccines worth Taka 10 crore to the pilgrims at no cost.
The adviser expressed gratitude to the officials of the Religious Affairs Ministry, along with the Home Ministry, Health Ministry, Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, and Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh for their successful coordination. He particularly thanked the Chief Adviser for his directives in advancing the Hajj program.
Khalid Hossain mentioned the government’s consideration of using a large ship for future pilgrim transport to Saudi Arabia, seeking cost-effective solutions in collaboration with the Shipping Ministry and ship manufacturers.
Tragically, 12 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died in Saudi Arabia due to age-related or health complications, with 37 others hospitalized. The deceased were all aged over 60, prompting the government to encourage younger pilgrims aged 45-50 to consider performing Hajj in the future.
Healthcare facilities have been established in Makkah, Madina, and Mina, staffed by 164 Bangladeshi medical professionals providing care to pilgrims. Arrangements are also in place for critical cases to be hospitalized in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the government is distributing Taka one crore worth of medicines to pilgrims at no charge.
Khalid Hossain will travel to Saudi Arabia today to personally oversee the welfare of the pilgrims in Makkah and Madina. The press briefing was attended by senior ministry officials, including Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik and Hajj Officer Lokman Hossain.