Dhaka: A total of 79,158 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia onboard 204 flights so far since April 29, officials reported today. The final flight carrying pilgrims from Dhaka is scheduled to depart on May 31.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this year, 87,100 Bangladeshis are set to perform the holy Hajj. Among them, 5,200 will undertake the pilgrimage under arrangements made by the Bangladesh government, while private operators will manage the journey for the remaining 81,900 pilgrims. M Lokman Hossain, director of the Hajj office under the Religious Affairs Ministry, confirmed these details.
Today, three Biman Bangladesh Airlines flights with 1,257 pilgrims, one Saudi Airlines flight carrying 405 pilgrims, and four Flynas Airlines flights with 1,224 pilgrims have either departed or are scheduled to leave Bangladesh for Jeddah.
The ministry is issuing regular Hajj bulletins, with the latest announcing the deaths of 12 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia due to old age or health issues. So far, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has operated 102 flights, transporting 39,416 pilgrims. Saudi Airlines has conducted 75 flights with 28,242 pilgrims, and Flynas Airlines has transported 11,000 pilgrims on 27 flights.
The Hajj office bulletin outlined the aviation plan, indicating that Bangladesh Airlines will operate 118 Hajj flights, Saudi Airlines 80 flights, and Flynas Airlines 34 flights in total for the pilgrimage. Officials noted that the remaining 7,799 pilgrims are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia by May 31.
The first Hajj flight carrying 398 pilgrims departed from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on April 29. Return flights for pilgrims are scheduled to begin on June 10 and conclude on July 10.