Dhaka: A total of 2,248 pilgrims departed from Dhaka to Saudi Arabia today to perform this year’s Hajj. Among them, 1,446 pilgrims boarded flights operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, while 802 pilgrims traveled via Saudia Airlines.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Director (Joint Secretary) of the Hajj Office under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Md Lokman Hossain, provided this information. The official commencement of the Hajj Flight-2025 operations was inaugurated by Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain on April 28, 2025, at the Ashkona Hajj Camp in the capital.
The first Hajj flight was operated by Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia Airlines, departing from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on April 29. The pre-Hajj flights are planned to conclude by May 31, with return flights commencing on June 10, following the completion of the Hajj rituals.
This year, a total of 87,100 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to make the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Among them, 5,200 pilgrims will travel under government management, and 81,900 will make the journey through private arrangements.
A new mobile application has been introduced this year to provide transport and other essential services for pilgrims. Additionally, pilgrims are being equipped with pre-paid Hajj cards and mobile SIM cards with roaming facilities to aid their journey.