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DHAKA, May 22, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 77,432 Bangladeshi pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia through 199 pre-Hajj flights to perform the holy Hajj this year.

Of the total pilgrims, 4,464 travelled under government management, while 77,432 were sent under private arrangements, said Md Lokman Hossain, Director of the Bangladesh Hajj Office.

He added that 660 agencies were involved in managing Hajj operations under the private sector, including 30 lead agencies and 630 coordinating agencies.

According to the Hajj bulletin, 21 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died of natural causes so far, including 15 men and six women. Of them, 14 died in Makkah and seven in Madinah.

The bulletin further said that pre-Hajj flight operations have now been completed, with Biman Bangladesh Airlines and two other carriers transporting all 77,432 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

Among the airlines, Biman Bangladesh Airlines operated 98 flights carrying 38,702 pilgrims. Saudi Airlines conducted 73 flights, transporting 27,340 pilgrims, while Flynas operated 28 flights carrying 11,390 pilgrims to Jeddah and Madinah.

Officials said Saudi medical teams have so far provided treatment services to 43,440 pilgrims, while IT helpdesks have assisted 20,288 pilgrims.

The first Hajj flight, BG3001, carrying 418 pilgrims, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on April 17 at 11:57 pm.

According to the Islamic lunar calendar, this year's Hajj will be observed in Saudi Arabia on May 26.

Bangladeshi pilgrims are scheduled to begin returning home from May 30, while the final return flight is set for June 30.