A total of 60,513 Bangladeshi pilgrims have returned home from Saudi Arabia after performing the annual Hajj, according to the Hajj Office under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. 

Of them, 5,007 pilgrims returned under government management, while 55,506 made the journey back through private arrangements, said the ministry in a statement on Monday. 

Three airlines — Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia (Saudi Airlines), and Flynas — have been involved in repatriating the pilgrims. Biman carried the highest number, bringing back 26,767 pilgrims, followed by Saudia with 24,970 and Flynas with 8,776.

As of now, 160 return Hajj flights have been operated. Biman Bangladesh ran 71 flights, Saudia operated 66, and Flynas conducted 23. The return flights are scheduled to continue until July 10, the ministry added.

Meanwhile, the Hajj Office confirmed that 41 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died during this year’s pilgrimage. Among the deceased, 30 were men and 11 women, with most of the deaths attributed to age-related complications and underlying health issues.

This year’s Hajj officially began on April 29, with the final outbound flight departing Bangladesh on May 31. The main rites of Hajj were observed on June 5.

SMS/