61,724 Bangladeshis reach Saudi Arabia for Hajj
Special Correspondent :
A total of 61,724 Bangladeshi pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia so far to perform the holy Hajj, marking a significant milestone in this year’s pilgrimage arrangements.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the pilgrims were transported through 160 dedicated Hajj flights operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudi Airlines, and Flynas.
Ministry spokesperson M Abubakor Siddik informed that, unfortunately, nine Bangladeshi pilgrims have passed away in Saudi Arabia due to age-related complications or underlying health conditions. “Eight of the deceased are male, and one is a female pilgrim,” Siddik said.
This year, a total of 87,100 Bangladeshis are scheduled to perform Hajj. Of them, 5,200 are under government management, while the remaining 81,900 are being facilitated by private Hajj agencies.
As of now, 5,085 pilgrims under the government’s program and 81,871 under private management have received their Saudi visas.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has so far operated 83 flights, carrying 31,513 pilgrims, while Saudi Airlines has transported 21,583 pilgrims through 56 flights. Flynas, a budget carrier based in Riyadh, has flown 8,628 pilgrims on 21 flights. The last Hajj flight from Bangladesh is scheduled to arrive in Saudi Arabia on May 31.
This year’s Hajj is expected to take place on June 5, depending on the sighting of the moon. Return flights for Bangladeshi pilgrims will begin on June 10 and continue until July 10.
Hajj experts and stakeholders have praised both government and private agencies for the smoother, better-coordinated management of Hajj this year compared to previous years.
Dr. Mizanur Rahman, a researcher on Hajj management and professor at Islamic University, Kushtia, said, “The timely issuance of visas, proper coordination between agencies, and improved flight schedules clearly indicate that Hajj management has improved this year. Last year, many pilgrims faced uncertainty due to delayed visa processing and flight disruptions. This year, we haven’t seen such chaos.”
Echoing his views, Shahadat Hossain, Vice President of the Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB), said, “The Ministry of Religious Affairs worked closely with Saudi authorities and private operators to ensure better logistics and support for the pilgrims. Regular bulletins and real-time updates are helping agencies keep pilgrims and their families informed.”
Many pilgrims themselves expressed satisfaction with the overall arrangements. Jahanara Begum, a 62-year-old pilgrim from Chattogram, shared her experience before boarding:
“Everything went smoothly at the airport. From luggage handling to medical screening, the volunteers helped us at every step. I feel blessed.”
Ministry sources also confirmed that on-ground arrangements in Makkah and Madinah — including accommodation, food, transportation, and medical services — have been improved in collaboration with Saudi partners
Despite the success so far, health officials are advising elderly pilgrims and those with chronic illnesses to take extra precautions in the extreme desert climate.
Medical teams from Bangladesh have been stationed at key locations to provide round-the-clock services.
Dr. Farhana Akter, a physician accompanying the pilgrims, warned:
“Dehydration and heatstroke are major risks. Pilgrims must avoid overexertion and stay in shaded areas during peak hours.”
As the Hajj season continues, authorities have assured that they will remain vigilant to ensure the safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfillment of Bangladeshi pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage period.
