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Published : 17 Apr 2026, 11:40 AM
Pilgrims have started arriving at the Ashkona Hajj Camp in Dhaka ahead of the first flight of the 2026 pilgrimage.
Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain visited the site on Thursday night to inspect preparations.
In a statement, the religious affairs ministry said the minister reviewed overall preparations for the inauguration of the Hajj flights and inspected conditions at the camp.
He also spoke to pilgrims about their travel preparations, accommodation, meals and other arrangements.
The minister later talked to officials and employees assigned to the camp, as well as team leaders of different volunteer organisations.
“Hajj pilgrims are the guests of Allah. Their service must be seen as a form of devotion. It must be ensured that they do not suffer in any way,” he said.
He added that the government was giving the highest priority to ensuring that pilgrims could undertake the sacred journey in comfort, safety and without disruption.
The minister also urged all those involved in serving pilgrims to work with sincerity. He remained at the camp until late at night.
The first Hajj flight from Bangladesh this year is scheduled to be formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at 11:35pm on Friday at Shahjalal International Airport.
The flight is due to leave for Saudi Arabia at 12:20am with 419 pilgrims on board.
According to the religious affairs ministry, a total of 78,500 pilgrims from Bangladesh will perform Hajj in 2026.
Of them, 4,565 will travel under the government arrangement, while 73,935 will go through private Hajj agencies.
Pre-Hajj flights will continue until May 21.
A total of 207 such flights are scheduled, with Biman Bangladesh Airlines set to operate 102, Saudia 75 and Flynas 30.
Subject to the sighting of the moon, Hajj is expected to be held on May 26.
Return flights are scheduled to begin on May 30 after the completion of the rituals and continue until Jul 1.
