A total of 8,606 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have returned home from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) until Wednesday after performing the holy Hajj on June 5.
Of the total returnees, 837 have travelled under the government management, while 7,769 under private arrangements.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has so far transported 1,409 pilgrims, while Saudi national carrier Saudia Airlines has brought back 3,185, and Flynas Airlines brought back 4,012.
In total, 22 return flights have been operated - four by Biman, eight by Saudia, and 10 by Flynas.
Meanwhile, healthcare and IT assistance remained a critical issue for Bangladeshi pilgrims in the KSA. Saudi medical centres issued 49,809 automated prescriptions, and IT help desks delivered 20,309 service interventions to assist the pilgrims.
A total of 23 Bangladeshi pilgrims, including 21 males and two females, have died in Saudi Arabia so far. Of them, 15 have died in Makkah, seven in Madinah, and one in Arafat.
Saudi public hospitals have treated a total of 193 Bangladeshi pilgrims, with 23 still undergoing medical care at present.
This year's Hajj operations began with the first outbound flight on April 29, and concluded on May 31.
The return Hajj flights started on June 10, and will continue until July 10.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
