Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain. File Photo

DHAKA, June 03, 2025 (BSS) - Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain has asked physicians including Hajj delegation members to ensure medical services to Bangladesh pilgrims. 

"Medical teams including physicians will have to provide healthcare services to Bangladesh pilgrims," he said while addressing a special meeting with the Hajj delegation-2025 at conference room of the Bangladesh Hajj Office in Mecca last night.

The adviser said foods and accommodation at Mina and Arafat will have to be ensured during the Hajj days soon after traveling to Mina from Mecca.

The meeting discussed in detail travel of the pilgrims from Mecca to Mina and Arafat ground. 

Among others, Religious Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, members of Hajj delegation, team leader of the administration, councilor of Hajj, medical team leader, IT team leader and other concerned were present in the meeting.

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. 

Around 87,157 Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims including management team members have reached Saudi Arabia onboard 224 flights, officials said.

Director of Hajj office of the 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. 

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.