DHAKA, June 2, 2025 (BSS) - A total of 87,157 Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims including management team members have reached Saudi Arabia onboard 224 flights so far since April 29, officials said here today.

This year, the holy hajj will be held on June 5, according to Arabic lunar calendar.

A total of 17 Bangladeshi pilgrims passed away in Saudi Arabia due to old age or different health grounds, according to Hajj office bulletin. 

Meanwhile, Religious Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik visited the Makkah Hajj Medical Centre yesterday. 

He inquired about health conditions of the pilgrims and also asked the doctors to ensure proper medical care for the pilgrims. 

Pramanik expressed happiness for the issuance of automatic treatment cards to the pilgrims.

Around 5,200 pilgrims are set to perform hajj under Bangladesh government arrangements, 81,900 pilgrims are under private operators' management and the rest 57 people are the management team members.

Director of Hajj office at Religious Ministry M Lokman Hossain said the number of Hajj agencies approved by the ministry is 70. 

He said Biman Bangladesh Airlines so far operated 108 flights, carrying 42, 404 pilgrims, Saudi Airlines conducted 83 flights with 31,676 pilgrims and Riyadh-based Flynas Airlines transported 13,077 pilgrims on 33 flights.

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

Earlier, authorities of the Hajj office in Makkah distributed maps of Mina and Arafat prepared by the Mecca IT Helpdesk among the pilgrims.

At least 172 Bangladeshi pilgrims have received treatment from Saudi hospitals, while 37 pilgrims were admitted to the hospitals.
 
The first Hajj flight with 398 pilgrims departed from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on April 29.

The hajj return flights will begin on June 10 and it will continue till July 10.