PM opens Hajj flights | The Business Standard

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the Hajj flights at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) last night (17 April).
 
The prime minister formally opened the first Hajj flight (BG3001) at 11:57pm, scheduled to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:20am for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, carrying 418 pilgrims.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, arrived at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:30pm and went straight inside the aircraft.
 
At that time, he was seen talking to each of the pilgrims on board and shaking hands with them. The prime minister joined a munajat (prayer) inside the aircraft, seeking the blessings of Almighty Allah for the successful accomplishment of the Hajj rituals.
 
Later, addressing the pilgrims, the prime minister sought doa from them for the country, its people, and his government as well.     
 
Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad), Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita) and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah were present on the occasion, among others.

Earlier, the prime minister visited the Ashkona Hajj Camp in the city and exchanged pleasantries with the Hajj pilgrims there.
 
According to the religious affairs ministry, a total of 14 flights are scheduled for today, including six to be operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, four by Saudia Airlines, and four by Flynas.
 
Pre-hajj flights will end on 21 May. A total of 207 pre-hajj flights are scheduled, including 102 by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 75 by Saudia, and 30 by Flynas.
 
Bangladesh, one of the world’s largest Hajj pilgrim-sending countries, is expected to send around 78,500 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year. Of them, 4,565 pilgrims will perform Hajj under government management, while 73,935 will do so under private agencies.
 
About 50% of the hajj pilgrims will travel by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, while the remaining passengers will travel by Saudia and Flynas airlines.
 
Subject to moon sighting, the holy Hajj is expected to be held on 26 May 2026.
 
Return flights will begin on 30  May after the completion of the Hajj rituals and will continue until 1 July next.