Dhaka, June 13 (V7N)– A total of 12,877 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have returned home from Saudi Arabia as of Thursday, following the completion of this year's Hajj rites on June 5.

Official data from the Hajj office indicates that among the returned pilgrims, 1,255 traveled under government arrangements, while 11,622 returned through private management.

Tragically, the Hajj office confirmed that 26 Bangladeshi pilgrims have passed away in Saudi Arabia. Of these fatalities, 23 were males and 3 were females. The majority of deaths, 17, occurred in Makkah, while 8 were reported in Madinah, and one in Arafat. No deaths have been reported in Jeddah, Mina, or Muzdalifah.

Regarding air transportation, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has brought back 2,908 pilgrims so far. Saudi national carrier Saudia Airlines has repatriated 4,752 pilgrims, and Saudi-based Flynas Airlines has transported 5,217. In total, 33 return flights have been operated: eight by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 12 by Saudia Airlines, and 13 by Flynas Airlines.

Healthcare and IT assistance have remained critical for Bangladeshi pilgrims in the Kingdom. Saudi medical centers have issued 51,384 automated prescriptions, and IT help desks have provided 20,835 service interventions to assist pilgrims during their stay. Saudi public hospitals have treated a total of 208 Bangladeshi pilgrims, with 19 still receiving medical care.

This year's Hajj operations commenced with the first outbound flight on April 29 and concluded on May 31. The Ministry of Religious Affairs had approved 70 Hajj agencies to facilitate the pilgrimage. Bangladesh's Hajj quota for 2025 included 5,200 government-managed pilgrims and 81,900 under private management.

The return phase for pilgrims began on June 10 and is scheduled to continue until July 10. The Hajj office stated that authorities are closely monitoring the ongoing repatriation and healthcare efforts to ensure the safe and dignified return of all pilgrims to Bangladesh.

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