Dhaka: A total of 11,613 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have returned home from Saudi Arabia as of Sunday following the completion of this year's Hajj held on June 26. "A total of 28 return flights were operated by three designated carriers -- one by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, one by Saudia Airlines and two by Flynas Airlines," an official familiar with the development said here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Hajj office reported that 1,253 pilgrims returned under government management, while 10,360 returned through private travel agencies. These returnees traveled on 28 flights, with six operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, eight by Saudia Airlines, and 14 by Flynas Airlines.
The official further stated, "We expect that 5,698 Hajis will return today by 14 flights while 3,254 will come tomorrow (June 2) with eight flights." The flight schedule outlines that 4,513 pilgrims are expected to return on June 3 by 11 flights, 3,248 will arrive with eight flights on June 4, and 2,925 are set to return on June 5 by seven flights.
Tragically, at least 41 Bangladeshi pilgrims passed away in Saudi Arabia during Hajj, comprising 27 males and 14 females. Of these, 30 died in Makkah and 11 in Madinah. No deaths have been reported in Jeddah, Mina, or Muzdalifah.
This year's Hajj operations began with the first outbound flight on April 18 and concluded on May 21. The return Hajj flights started on May 30 and will continue until June 30.