Dhaka: A total of 87,157 Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims, including management team members, have reached Saudi Arabia onboard 224 flights since April 29, officials reported today. This year, the holy hajj is scheduled for June 5, according to the Arabic lunar calendar.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a total of 17 Bangladeshi pilgrims have passed away in Saudi Arabia due to old age or various health issues, as per the Hajj office bulletin. Meanwhile, Religious Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik visited the Makkah Hajj Medical Centre yesterday to inquire about the health conditions of the pilgrims and instructed the doctors to ensure proper medical care. Pramanik expressed satisfaction with the issuance of automatic treatment cards to the pilgrims.
Approximately 5,200 pilgrims are set to perform hajj under Bangladesh government arrangements, while 81,900 pilgrims are managed by private operators, and the remaining 57 individuals are part of the management team. Director of the Hajj office at the Religious Ministry, M Lokman Hossain, stated that the ministry has approved 70 Hajj agencies.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has so far operated 108 flights, carrying 42,404 pilgrims; Saudi Airlines conducted 83 flights with 31,676 pilgrims; and Riyadh-based Flynas Airlines transported 13,077 pilgrims on 33 flights. The director noted that with the government’s efforts, the Saudi embassy in Dhaka has issued all necessary visas for Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims.
Previously, the Hajj office in Makkah distributed maps of Mina and Arafat, prepared by the Mecca IT Helpdesk, among the pilgrims. At least 172 Bangladeshi pilgrims have received treatment from Saudi hospitals, with 37 pilgrims admitted.
The first Hajj flight, carrying 398 pilgrims, departed from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on April 29. The hajj return flights are scheduled to commence on June 10 and will continue until July 10.