Photo : Collected

DHAKA, June 04, 2025 (BSS) - The Holy Hajj began with pilgrims reaching Mina following the 7th Zilhaj 1446 Hijri of the Arabic calendar.

Pilgrims from all over the world started their journey from Makkah towards Mina after Asr to perform the holy Hajj today, reciting Talbiya (Labbaik Allahummah Labbaik) loudly. 

According to Hajj office in Makkah, officers and employees concerned of Bangladesh Hajj Office in Makkah and Hajj IT team reached Mina at 10 pm last night.

They set up offices in tents for providing designated services to the pilgrims.

Director of Hajj office of the Religious Affairs Ministry M Lokman Hossain said Bangladesh sent a total of 87,157 pilgrims, including management team members to perform Hajj this year.

But unexpectedly, 17 Bangladeshi pilgrims passed away in Saudi Arabia due to old age or different health grounds, according to Hajj office bulletin. 

Mina is located in a valley just five kilometres east of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Mina has been playing a pivotal role in the Hajj rites. 

During the Hajj, pilgrims followed the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) instruction and stay at three main sites - Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah as part of the Hajj.

The annual Hajj pilgrimage officially commenced today as pilgrims began arriving at Mina from Makkah in the early hours.

This year, more than 1.47 million international pilgrims are joined by hundreds of thousands of domestic worshippers, reaffirming Hajj's status as one of the largest religious gatherings globally.

A total of 18 teams have been working to provide healthcare services to pilgrims at Mina.

The Bangladesh Hajj Office in Makkah Al-Mukarramah issued an official order regarding the formation of these teams yesterday.

The decision was made following a meeting of the Hajj Monitoring Committee on Monday, where officials agreed to assign specific responsibilities to ensure a smooth and safe Hajj experience for the pilgrims. The order was subsequently issued by the Hajj Counsellor.

Four teams have been assigned to facilitate the transportation of government-arranged pilgrims to Mina and ensure their safe return to their hotels after the hajj rituals.