32,370 Hajj pilgrims return from Saudi Arabia

A total of 32,370 Hajj pilgrims have returned home after performing the Holy Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Besides, an additional 1,585 pilgrims are expected to arrive in Dhaka from Saudi Arabia by four flights today. 

According to official data from Dhaka Hajj office, of the total pilgrims who have returned home so far, 4,595 traveled under government management, while 27,775 returned under private arrangements.

It said a total of 34 Bangladeshi pilgrims have passed away in Saudi Arabia so far. Of them, 26 are males and 8 are females. Of the total, 22 died in Makkah, 11 in Madinah, and one in Arafat. 

The Hajj office sources said Biman Bangladesh Airlines has so far transported 11,742 pilgrims by 30 flights, while Saudi national carrier Saudia Airlines has brought 13,849 pilgrims back through 35 flights and 6,779 have returned via Saudi-based Flynas Airlines by 17 flights.

In total, 82 return flights have been operated of which 30 by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 35 by Saudia Airlines, and 17 by Flynas Airlines, they added.

Saudi medical centres have issued 59,530 automated prescriptions and IT help- desks have delivered 22,755 service interventions to assist pilgrims during their stay.

Saudi public hospitals have treated a total of 268 Bangladeshi pilgrims with 24 still undergoing medical care there.

This year's Hajj operations began with the first outbound flight on 29 April and concluded on 31 May. 

The Ministry of Religious Affairs approved 70 Hajj agencies to facilitate the pilgrimage. Bangladesh's Hajj quota in 2025 included 5,200 government-managed pilgrims and 81,900 under private management.

The return phase commenced on 10 June and will continue until 10 July. 

Authorities are closely monitoring the ongoing repatriation and healthcare efforts to ensure the safe and dignified return of all pilgrims to Bangladesh, said the Hajj office.