Over 21,000 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims return home

A total of 21,343 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have returned home from Saudi Arabia as of Tuesday following the completion of this year's Hajj, held on June 26, reports state news agency BSS.

"A total of 52 return flights were operated by three designated carriers — 15 by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 18 by Saudia Airlines and 19 by Flynas Airlines," an official said.

According to the Hajj Office, 2,500 pilgrims have so far returned under government management, while 18,843 returned through arrangements made by private travel agencies on 52 flights.

Meanwhile, a total of 44 Bangladeshi pilgrims died in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj, including 29 men and 15 women. Of them, 34 died in Makkah and 10 in Madinah, while no deaths were reported in Jeddah, Mina or Muzdalifah.

Besides, 249 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals in Saudi Arabia due to various illnesses. Saudi medical centres provided treatment to 54,298 pilgrims, while IT help desks rendered services to 24,800 pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.

This year's Hajj operations began with the first outbound flight on April 18 and concluded on May 21.

The return flights started on May 30 and will continue until June 30.