DHAKA, May 31, 2025 (BSS) - A total of 80,723 Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims so far reached Saudi Arabia onboard 208 flights as the scheduled last flight with pilgrims to depart here tonight, officials said.

"Till last night, at least 15 hajj pilgrims passed away in Saudi Arabia due to old age complications or different health grounds", according to hajj office bulletin. 

A total of 87,100 Bangladeshis are set to perform the holy hajj this year with 5,200 pilgrims under Bangladesh government arrangement and 81,900 under private operators.

Sources said a special meeting of the hajj delegation-2025 was held last night at conference room of Bangladesh Hajj Office at Mecca with Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain in the chair to facilitate pilgrims in performing hajj.

The meeting discussed the preparations for Hajj management, including ensuring smooth and safe accommodation, transportation, food and other issues for the pilgrims in Makkah, Mina and Arafat ground. 

Among others, Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, members of the hajj delegation, team leader of the administrative team, councilor Hajj, medical team leaders, president and secretary general (HUB), IT team leader and other members were present.

Director at hajj office under religious affairs ministry M Lokman Hossain said by now, Biman Bangladesh Airlines so far operated 104 flights, carrying 40,249 pilgrims, Saudi Airlines conducted 76 flights with 29,144 pilgrims and Riyadh-based Flynas Airlines transported 11330 pilgrims on 28 flights.

He said Bangladesh Airlines would operate 118 hajj flights, Saudi Airlines 80 flights and Flynas Airlines 34 flights.

Hossain said with the sincere efforts by the government, Saudi embassy in Dhaka issued 86945 visas against passports of Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims. 

He said cent percent visa including government arrangements and private arrangements was issued.
 
The first Hajj flight with 398 pilgrims departed from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on April 29.

The Hajj is expected to take place on June 6 in line with the Arabic lunar calendar this year.

Hajj return flights are set to commence on June 10 and conclude on July 10.