As of May 31, a total of 15 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died while traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, according to the Hajj management portal of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The latest fatalities occurred on May 29, involving three individuals from Gazipur, Madaripur, and Joypurhat. Among the deceased, 14 were men and one was a woman.
Nine of the deaths occurred in Mecca, while six took place in Medina. The first reported death was on April 29, with fatalities continuing throughout May. In accordance with Saudi regulations, all deceased pilgrims are buried in the kingdom, and repatriation of bodies is not permitted—even upon family request.
This year’s Hajj will be held on June 5. Flights for Bangladeshi pilgrims began on April 29 and concluded on May 31. The total Hajj quota includes 5,200 government-managed and 81,900 privately-managed pilgrims. Return flights will commence on June 10 and end on July 10.
