Riyadh:Dhaka The last group of 40 Umrah pilgrims, who had been left stranded in Saudi Arabia due to an attack by Houthi rebels, has returned home safely. This successful repatriation was facilitated by prompt actions taken by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the pilgrims were stuck following an attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10. They finally arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from Jeddah this afternoon.
The safe return of the pilgrims was coordinated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Key figures such as Director (Hajj) Md Lokman Hossain and Public Relations Officer Md Farhad Ahmed, along with other officials, welcomed the group at the airport, as stated in a press release.
While in Saudi Arabia, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) maintained regular communication with the pilgrims, ensuring they received necessary assistance. The minister personally arranged for meals and clothing during their stay and also organized their meals and transportation back to their hometown of Sirajganj upon their return.
Muallem Abdullah-Al-Mamun, who led the group, confirmed that the minister had consistently checked on their well-being, providing food, clothing, and medicines, particularly after they experienced difficulties with their luggage.
The pilgrims expressed their gratitude towards Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the minister for their support and efforts to ensure a safe journey. They also thanked the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh, the Hajj missions in Makkah and Madinah, the Royal Government of Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Airlines for their assistance.
Meanwhile, seven members of the Bangladeshi Umrah group who were injured in the Houthi rebel attack are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Riyadh.