Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the Hajj flights at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) here tonight. The Prime Minister formally opened the first Hajj flight (BG3001) at 11:57 pm on Friday, which departed HSIA at 12:20 am on Saturday for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, carrying 418 pilgrims.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, earlier in the evening, Tarique Rahman, who is also the BNP chairman, arrived at the airport around 11:30 pm and proceeded directly to the aircraft. During his visit, he interacted with the pilgrims on board, shaking hands and presenting them with gifts. The Prime Minister participated in a munajat (prayer) inside the aircraft, seeking blessings for the successful accomplishment of the Hajj rituals.
Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary, Atikur Rahman Ruman, stated that the Prime Minister spoke to the pilgrims and requested them to pray for the country and its people. He assured the pilgrims that his government had worked to resolve previous issues related to the Hajj journey and expressed optimism about further improvements in the future.
Key figures present at the inauguration included Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad), Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita), State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and the Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah. Prior to this, the Prime Minister visited the Ashkona Hajj Camp in the city, where he exchanged greetings with the pilgrims and inaugurated a medical camp for them.
The Religious Affairs Ministry has outlined that a total of 14 flights are scheduled for today, with six operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, four by Saudia airlines, and four by Flynas. The pre-hajj flight schedule will conclude on May 21, encompassing 207 flights in total – 102 by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 75 by Saudia, and 30 by Flynas.
Bangladesh, recognized as one of the largest sources of Hajj pilgrims globally, plans to send approximately 78,500 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year. Of these, 4,565 pilgrims will be under government management, while 73,935 will travel through private agencies. Approximately half of the pilgrims will fly with Biman Bangladesh Airlines, with the remainder traveling on Saudia and Flynas airlines.
The holy Hajj is anticipated to take place on May 26, 2026, subject to the sighting of the moon. Return flights are scheduled to begin on May 30, following the completion of the Hajj rituals, and will continue until July 1.