Dhaka: A total of 50,111 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia through 128 flights, with the highest number transported by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Director of the Bangladesh Hajj Office, Md Lokman Hossain, confirmed that 128 flights had landed in Jeddah by 10:00 am today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Hajj bulletin reported that 12 pilgrims have died due to natural causes till yesterday, comprising 10 men and two women. Ten pilgrims died in Makkah and two in Medina. The bulletin noted that the Saudi medical team provided treatment facilities to 18,987 pilgrims, while the IT Helpdesk delivered medical services to 13,011 pilgrims till yesterday.
Lokman Hossain stated that a total of 78,500 Bangladeshis have been permitted to perform Hajj this year. Of these, 660 agencies are managing Hajj operations under private arrangements, including 30 lead agencies and 630 coordinating agencies. Airline-wise data shows that 23,563 pilgrims traveled on 59 flights operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 18,092 on 47 flights of Saudia, and 8,456 on 22 flights of Flynas. The remaining 28,262 pilgrims are expected to reach Saudi Arabia gradually through the designated airlines.
The first Hajj flight (BG3001), carrying 418 pilgrims, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on April 17 at 11:57 pm for King Abdulaziz International Airport. The flight was inaugurated by Tarique Rahman. Of the total pilgrims, 4,565 will perform Hajj under government management, while 73,935 will travel under private arrangements, according to the Hajj Office. The Saudi Embassy in Dhaka has issued 78,373 visas, including 4,454 under government management and 73,919 under private management. Subject to moon sighting, the holy Hajj is expected to be held in Saudi Arabia on May 26. The return Hajj flights will commence on May 30 from Jeddah, with the final return flight scheduled for June 30.