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DHAKA, June 25, 2025 (BSS) - A total of 50,036 Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims returned home from Saudi Arabia after performing this year's holy Hajj held on June 5.

As per today's schedule, 768 pilgrims will arrive in Dhaka from Saudi Arabia through two flights, Director of Hajj office of the Religious Affairs Ministry M Lokman Hossain said.

He said the government has asked all concerned in Saudi Arabia to ensure medical services to Bangladeshi pilgrims during the Hajj and post Hajj period. 

According to official data from the Hajj office, tragically, 38 Bangladeshi pilgrims passed away in Saudi Arabia so far - 27 males and 11 females. Of them, 25 died in Makkah, 11 in Madinah, one in Arafat and another in Jeddah, while no death has been reported in Mina or Muzdalifah.

Out of the total pilgrims who have returned so far, 5,006 traveled under government management while 45,030 under private arrangements.

The Hajj office said Biman Bangladesh Airlines has so far transported 21,081 pilgrims, while Saudi national carrier Saudia Airlines has brought back 20,514 pilgrims, and 8,441 have returned via Saudi-based Flynas Airlines.

In total, 129 return flights have been operated - 55 by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 52 by Saudia Airlines, and 22 by Flynas Airlines.

Although healthcare and IT assistance remain critical for Bangladeshi pilgrims in the Kingdom, even then Saudi medical centres have issued 65,510 automated prescriptions and IT help desks have delivered 24,289 service interventions to assist pilgrims during their stay.

Saudi public hospitals have treated a total of 289 Bangladeshi pilgrims, with 25 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 pilgrims 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.