Hajj 2025 29 Bangladeshi pilgrims die amid heatwave

Staff Reporter :

The death toll of Bangladeshi pilgrims during this year’s Hajj has risen to 29, as Saudi Arabia grapples with an intense heatwave across the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed on Saturday.

The most recent death was that of Rokeya Begum, 62, from Barguna, who passed away in Makkah. She had arrived in Saudi Arabia on June 1 via a Saudia Airlines flight.

Of the 29 deceased pilgrims, 25 were men and four were women. Nineteen of the deaths occurred in Makkah, nine in Madinah, and one on Mount Arafat. Additionally, 19 Bangladeshi pilgrims are currently undergoing treatment at various public hospitals in Saudi Arabia.

In response to the soaring temperatures, the ministry has issued an urgent advisory, requesting pilgrims to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities — including travel to religious sites — during the hottest part of the day, from 9am to 5pm.

The heatwave, which has seen temperatures climb dangerously high, has been linked to a surge in cases of heat stroke and heat-related complications, raising concerns among health officials and Hajj coordinators.

Though the main Hajj rituals concluded on June 5, a large number of Bangladeshi pilgrims remain in Saudi Arabia for post-Hajj visits and religious observances.

Despite the tragic losses, officials noted that the death toll this year is lower than in previous years. In 2024, 65 Bangladeshi pilgrims died during Hajj, and in 2023, the number stood at 121.

Meanwhile, the repatriation of pilgrims has begun. As of June 15, a total of 20,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims have returned home. Of these, 6,207 arrived on 16 Biman Bangladesh Airlines flights, 7,873 returned on 20 Saudia Airlines flights, and 6,420 came via 16 Flynas flights.

The return flights began on June 10 and are scheduled to continue through July 10.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs continues to monitor the situation closely and is coordinating with Saudi authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of remaining pilgrims.