More than 73,000 pilgrims from Bangladesh have arrived in Saudi Arabia so far to perform the holy Hajj this year. According to the latest data from the Hajj Management Portal of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a total of 73,182 passengers have gone to Saudi Arabia on 189 flights.
According to official figures, 18 Bangladeshis have died so far while performing Hajj. Of the deceased, 13 were men and 5 were women. Of these, 13 died in Mecca and 5 in Medina. The authorities concerned said that in most cases, these deaths occurred due to old age and physical complications.
Three airlines are currently participating in the Hajj pilgrim transport. Of these, Biman Bangladesh Airlines operates 95 flights, Saudia operates 69, and Flynas operates 25 flights.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs said that a total of 78,500 people from Bangladesh will perform Hajj this year. Of them, 73,935 are going under private management and 4,565 are under government management.
Hajj flight operations officially began on April 18 from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital. The relevant authorities have said that flights to Saudi Arabia will be operated until May 21 of this month.
On the other hand, after the completion of Hajj, return flights will begin from May 30 and the repatriation process will continue until June 30.
Hajj, considered one of the largest religious gatherings of Muslims in the world, will be held this year on May 26. Saudi authorities have already strengthened security, healthcare and passenger management. Medical teams, helpdesks and administrative coordination teams are also working in Mecca and Medina to assist Bangladeshi pilgrims.
Religious experts say that discipline, health awareness, and timely following of instructions are very important throughout the Hajj process. Extra precautions have been advised, especially for elderly passengers.