17,689 pilgrims back home, 42 deaths reported

A total of 17,689 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have returned home from Saudi Arabia so far through 43 return flights after performing the holy Hajj.

Meanwhile, 42 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died in Saudi Arabia during this year’s Hajj season, according to the authorities. Of them, 27 were men and 15 were women. Among the deceased, 32 died in Makkah and 10 in Madinah.

The information was available as of Tuesday, officials said. Officials concerned said three airlines are operating the return Hajj flights. Of the 43 flights, Biman Bangladesh Airlines operated 10, Saudia Airlines 15 and Flynas 18.

According to the Hajj Office, 2,082 of the returned pilgrims travelled under government management, while 15,607 returned under private travel agency arrangements.

This year’s Hajj flights from Bangladesh began on April 18 and continued until May 21. Return Hajj flights started on May 30 and will continue until June 30.