Special Correspondent :
The first return Hajj flight carrying Bangladeshi pilgrims landed safely at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka this morning, marking the beginning of the return phase of this year’s Hajj operations.
According to airport authorities, the SV-3803 Saudia flight touched down at 10:54 AM, bringing back 369 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. The returnees were warmly received at the airport with flowers and bottles of Zamzam water, distributed from a booth set up by Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
Air vice Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), personally welcomed the pilgrims at the boarding bridge, presenting them with floral tributes as a gesture of honor and respect.
A press release from the Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that a total of 4,904 pilgrims are scheduled to return Tuesday across 12 flights. The return phase of Hajj flights will continue until July 10, during which 222 return flights are expected to bring pilgrims home from Saudi Arabia.
This year, a total of 86,958 Bangladeshis performed the Hajj pilgrimage, which officially began on June 4. The Hajj flight schedule to Saudi Arabia ran from April 29 to June 1, during which 220 outbound flights were operated. These included 106 flights by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 75 by Saudia, and 37 by Flynas.
To ensure a smooth and efficient return process, dedicated immigration counters have been set up under the supervision of the Immigration Police and the Special Branch. Clear instructions are being provided to assist pilgrims during arrival procedures. Luggage belts 5 through 8 have been exclusively reserved for Hajj passengers, with members of the Ansar assisting with baggage collection.
However, the Ministry of Religious Affairs also confirmed that 19 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
Authorities have pledged to maintain a seamless and respectful experience for all returning pilgrims as they conclude their spiritual journey.
