78,500 pilgrims to perform Hajj this year

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the Hajj flights at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) last night.

The prime minister formally opened the first Hajj flight at 11:57pm, which was scheduled to depart the Dhaka airport at 12:20am today for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, carrying 418 pilgrims.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, arrived at the airport around 11:30pm and went straight inside the aircraft.

At that time, he was seen talking to each of the pilgrims onboard and shaking hands with them. The prime minister joined a munajat (prayer) inside the aircraft, seeking blessings of Almighty Allah for the successful accomplishment of the Hajj rituals.

Later, addressing the pilgrims, the prime minister sought doa from them for the country and its people and his government as well.

Earlier, the prime minister visited the Ashkona Hajj Camp in the city and exchanged pleasantries with the Hajj pilgrims there.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a total of 14 flights are scheduled for today, including six to be operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, four by Saudia airlines, and four by Flynas.

Pre-hajj flights will end on May 21. A total of 207 pre-hajj flights are scheduled, including 102 by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 75 by Saudia, and 30 by Flynas.

Bangladesh, one of the world’s largest Hajj pilgrim-sending countries, is expected to send around 78,500 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year. Of them, 4,565 pilgrims will perform Hajj under government management, while 73,935 under private agencies.

Subject to moon sighting, the holy Hajj is expected to be held on May 26, 2026.  Return flights will begin on May 30 after the completion of Hajj rituals and will continue until July 1 next.