DE News Desk :
A total of 48,661 Bangladeshi pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj this year, according to the latest Hajj bulletin released by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The pilgrims travelled aboard 123 flights operated by three airlines.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines carried the highest number, transporting 24,286 pilgrims on 62 flights.
Saudia Airlines followed with 16,112 pilgrims on 41 flights, while Flynas ferried 8,263 pilgrims via 20 flights.
Tragically, seven Bangladeshi pilgrims have died so far during the pilgrimage — six men and one woman.
Three deaths occurred in Makkah and four in Madinah.
The most recent fatality was reported on Wednesday in Madinah.
The deceased, Md Ohidur Rahman, 72, from Sandwip in Chattogram, had travelled on May 7 via a Biman flight.This year, 87,100 Bangladeshis are registered to perform Hajj — 81,900 under private management and 5,200 through the government.
The ministry confirmed that all registered pilgrims have received their visas.
Pre-Hajj flights began on April 29 and will continue until May 31.
Return flights are scheduled to operate from June 10 to July 10.The annual pilgrimage is expected to be held on June 5, pending moon sighting.