MAY 10 (V7N) - The 2026 Hajj season is in full motion, with significant logistical and medical updates emerging as tens of thousands of Bangladeshi pilgrims gather in Saudi Arabia. According to the latest data from the Bangladesh Hajj Office in Jeddah, a total of 50,904 pilgrims have successfully arrived via 130 flights as of 10:00 AM today. This marks a critical phase in the transport operation, with roughly 65% of the total 78,500 allocated pilgrims now on the ground. The arrivals are being managed through a coordinated effort across three major carriers: Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudi Airlines, and Flynas.

The health and welfare of the pilgrims remain a primary concern for the coordinating authorities. While the vast majority are preparing for the rituals, the Hajj bulletin reported the deaths of 12 pilgrims due to natural causes—10 in Makkah and two in Madinah. In response to the physical demands of the journey, medical services have been scaled up significantly. The Saudi medical team has already provided care to over 21,000 individuals, while the IT Helpdesk has facilitated medical services for another 13,780 pilgrims, ensuring that health issues are tracked and addressed promptly through digital integration.

This year’s Hajj operation features a massive private sector involvement, with 660 agencies managing the travel and accommodation of 73,935 pilgrims, while a smaller contingent of 4,565 is performing the pilgrimage under government management. The Saudi Embassy in Dhaka has nearly completed the visa issuance process, with over 78,000 visas already cleared. This administrative efficiency has supported a steady flow of departures since the inaugural flight, which was launched by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on April 17.

As the lunar calendar progresses, the holy Hajj is tentatively expected to be performed on May 26, subject to the sighting of the moon. Following the completion of the pilgrimage, the logistical focus will shift toward the return operation. Scheduled flights for the journey home are set to begin departing from Jeddah on May 30, with the final return flight expected to conclude the month-long repatriation process on June 30. For the 27,000 pilgrims still awaiting their departures from Dhaka, the remaining flights are scheduled to continue in a phased sequence to ensure all travelers reach the holy sites in time for the commencement of the rituals.

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