According to the Prime Minister’s additional press secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, the Prime Minister visited the Hajj camp around 10:50 PM Bangladesh time and interacted with the pilgrims before the departure of the inaugural flight.
“The Prime Minister first inspected the Hajj camp, embraced pilgrims, and exchanged greetings with them. Later, he boarded the first Hajj flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines and spoke with the pilgrims on board,” he said.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by several senior officials, including Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad), Civil Aviation Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat, Saudi Ambassador Abdullah Jafar H. bin Abiha, Religious Affairs Secretary Munsi Alauddin Al Azad, Civil Aviation Secretary Fahmida Akhtar, and Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq.
The Prime Minister arrived at the Ashkona Hajj Camp at 10:50 PM, where he exchanged greetings with pilgrims and also inaugurated a medical camp.
During the interaction, he said that the government, which took office on February 18, had limited time to make major changes to Hajj management this year. However, he claimed that efforts had been made to reduce costs by around 12,000 taka per pilgrim.
“We are trying to improve further so that pilgrims face fewer difficulties in the coming years. You are going to the house of Allah; please pray for the country,” he said.
At 12:20 AM, the first flight carrying 419 pilgrims departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Saudi Arabia.
According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a total of 14 flights were scheduled on the first day, including six by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, four by Saudia, and four by Flynas.
In 2026, a total of 78,500 Bangladeshi citizens are expected to perform Hajj. Of them, 4,565 will travel under government management and 73,935 through private agencies. As per agreements with Saudi Arabia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines will carry 50% of the pilgrims, while Saudia will carry 35% and Flynas 15%.
The Hajj is expected to take place on May 26, subject to moon sighting. Return flights will begin on May 30 and continue until July 1.
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