Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the Hajj flights at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in the capital on Friday night, formally opening the first flight (BG3001) at 11:57 pm which departed for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 12:20 am on Saturday carrying 418 pilgrims.

The Prime Minister, who is also the BNP chairman, arrived at the airport around 11:30 pm and went straight inside the aircraft to speak with each pilgrim, shaking their hands and presenting them with gifts before joining a munajat seeking blessings for the successful accomplishment of the Hajj rituals.

Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman noted that the PM requested pilgrims to pray for the country and its people, quoting the Prime Minister as saying, “The Prime Minister said his government has worked to resolve the problems encountered during the Hajj. He expressed hope that this system will be further improved in the future.”

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister announced his intention to further reduce pilgrimage expenses, stating, “We have reduced airfare for Hajj flights by BDT 12,000 per ticket this year. We will try to reduce the cost from the next year, InShaAllah, so we can facilitate those, who will go to Hajj next time, to perform the Hajj at a lower cost.”

Addressing the current transition, he added, “We did not have much scope to do anything this year as almost all of the processes for this Hajj had been completed before we formed the government. However, we tried our level best to do as much we could.”

Seeking spiritual support, he told the pilgrims, “You are going to the house of the Almighty Allah. You are the guests of Allah, if you raise your hands to Allah, I believe Allah will grant your rahmat (blessings). So, please, pray for the country’s people so that everyone can live in peace,” while also requesting prayers for his government to address crises like unemployment.

The event was attended by 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), State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah.

Earlier, the Prime Minister visited the Ashkona Hajj Camp to exchange pleasantries and inaugurate a medical camp. According to the Religious Affairs Ministry, 14 flights are scheduled for today—six by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, four by Saudia, and four by Flynas—out of a total 207 pre-hajj flights ending May 21.

Bangladesh expects to send approximately 78,500 pilgrims this year, with 4,565 under government management and 73,935 via private agencies, split between Biman (50%) and Saudia/Flynas.

With Hajj expected to be held on May 26, 2026, subject to moon sighting, return flights are scheduled to begin on May 30 and continue until July 1.