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DHAKA, June 13, 2025 (BSS) - 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, held on June 5.

According to official data from the Hajj office, of the total pilgrims who have returned so far, 1,255 traveled under government management, while 11,622 returned under private arrangements.

It said, tragically, 26 Bangladeshi pilgrims have passed away in Saudi Arabia so far-23 males and 3 females. Of them, 17 died in Makkah, 8 in Madinah, and one in Arafat. No deaths have been reported in Jeddah, Mina, or Muzdalifah.

The Hajj office said Biman Bangladesh Airlines has so far transported 2,908 pilgrims, while Saudi national carrier Saudia Airlines has brought back 4,752 pilgrims, and 5,217 have returned via Saudi-based Flynas Airlines.

In total, 33 return flights have been operated-eight by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 12 by Saudia Airlines, and 13 by Flynas Airlines.

Meanwhile, healthcare and IT assistance remain critical for Bangladeshi pilgrims in the Kingdom. Saudi medical centres have issued 51,384 automated prescriptions and IT help desks have delivered 20,835 service interventions to assist pilgrims during their stay.

Saudi public hospitals have treated a total of 208 Bangladeshi pilgrims, with 19 still undergoing medical care at present.

This year's Hajj operations began with the first outbound flight on April 29 and concluded on May 31.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs approved 70 Hajj agencies to facilitate the pilgrimage. Bangladesh's Hajj quota in 2025 included 5,200 government-managed pilgrims and 81,900 under private management.

The return phase commenced on June 10 and will continue until July 10.

Authorities are closely monitoring the ongoing repatriation and healthcare efforts to ensure the safe and dignified return of all pilgrims to Bangladesh, said the Hajj office.