Death Toll of Bangladeshi Hajj Pilgrims Rises to Nine

Two more Bangladeshi pilgrims have died in Saudi Arabia, bringing the total death toll to nine this Hajj season.

The update came from the IT helpdesk bulletin of the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Hajj portal at 3:00 am on Monday (May 4). Among the deceased are eight men and one woman. Seven died in Mecca and two in Medina.

The latest victims are Md. Nasiruddin Biswas (58) from Faridpur Sadar and Mahfuza Begum (52) from Chapainawabganj. Both were private Hajj pilgrims and died in Mecca. The ministry said the deaths were due to natural causes.

So far, 46,514 Bangladeshi pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia on 118 Hajj flights. Of them, 4,071 are under government management and 44,443 under private arrangements.

A total of 54 flights have been operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 43 by Saudi Airlines, and 21 by Flynas.

The Hajj is expected to take place on May 26, depending on moon sighting. This year, 78,500 Bangladeshis are scheduled to perform Hajj—73,935 privately and 4,565 under government management.

Hajj flights began on April 18 from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and will continue until May 31. Return flights are set to start on May 30 and conclude on June 30.