As many as 34,744 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam.
A total of 95 flights – 47 flights of Biman Bangladesh Airlines and 48 of Saudi Arabian Airlines, flew the pilgrims to the kingdom between Jul 4 and Jul 11, said sources at Hajj Office and Biman Bangladesh.
As many as 3,766 pilgrims have been flown under government management while another 30,798 went to Saudi Arabia under the private arrangement, according to the sources.
Led by councillor of Bangladesh Hajj Office in Mecca Muhammad Maksudur Rahman, separate groups including consulting, medical, and IT teams are providing service to the pilgrims there.
Meanwhile, 206 complaints have been reported on losing luggage in Saudi Arabia, said the sources.
On which, 164 luggage have been found including that of 154 luggage have been returned to the pilgrims.
“Hajj flights are being operated without any (major) problem,” said Tahera Khandakar, deputy general manager (public relation) of Biman.
The Biman official, however, requested the pilgrims to arrive in the capital’s Ashkona hajj camp eight hours before their departure time.
This year, 126,923 pilgrims from Bangladesh will perform Hajj rituals, which is likely to begin on Aug 10 upon the sighting of the moon.