Over 59,000 Bangladeshi pilgrims reach Saudi Arabia for Hajj

More than 59,000 Bangladeshi pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia aboard 152 flights ahead of Hajj, expected to be observed on May 26, though the Bangladesh Hajj Office has confirmed that 15 pilgrims have died of natural causes since the journey began.

Hajj Office Director Lokman Hossain said that as of 10:00 am Saturday, a total of 59,055 pilgrims had landed at airports in Jeddah and Madinah. Of the 15 deaths recorded so far, 11 occurred in Makkah and four in Madinah, all attributed to natural causes. Four of the deceased were women.
The latest Hajj bulletin further noted that 30,126 pilgrims have received medical assistance from Saudi health teams, while 17,110 others sought support through the IT helpdesk.

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Carrier-wise, Biman Bangladesh Airlines transported the largest share -- 30,078 pilgrims on 76 flights -- followed by Saudia with 20,521 pilgrims on 54 flights, and Flynas with 8,456 pilgrims on 22 flights. The remaining 19,323 pilgrims are expected to depart on scheduled flights in the coming days.
A total of 78,500 Bangladeshis are registered to perform Hajj this year. Of them, 4,565 are travelling under government management, while 73,935 are making the journey through private arrangements.
The first Hajj flight departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on April 17, carrying 418 pilgrims. Return flights are scheduled to begin on May 30 and continue through June 30.