A total of 56,748 Bangladeshi pilgrims have returned home after performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia, according to the Hajj Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

In a statement issued on Saturday (June 28), officials said 5,007 pilgrims returned under government management, while 51,741 came back through private arrangements.

Three airlines are facilitating the return flights: Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia, and Flynas. Of the total returnees, Biman transported 24,972 pilgrims, Saudia carried 23,000, and Flynas brought back 8,776.

So far, 149 return flights have been operated—66 by Biman, 60 by Saudia, and 23 by Flynas. Return flights are scheduled to continue until July 10.

The Hajj pilgrimage officially began on April 29, with the final outbound flight to Saudi Arabia on May 31. This year’s main Hajj rituals were held on June 5.

Meanwhile, 41 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died during the pilgrimage—30 men and 11 women. Most deaths were attributed to age-related complications and illness, according to the Hajj Office bulletin.

SMS/