Saudi Arabia, June 8, 2024 — Tragedy struck the Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrimage as 12 pilgrims have died within two weeks after arriving in Saudi Arabia. Among the deceased are 11 men and 1 woman. The fatalities occurred in both the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, with 9 dying in Mecca and 3 in Medina.

The deceased have been identified as:

  • Md. Asaduzzaman (56) from Kendua Upazila, Netrakona District
  • Mostafa (89) from Kurigram District
  • Luftar Rahman (65) from Kurigram District
  • Mohammad Idris (64) from Rauzan Upazila, Chittagong District
  • Murtajur Rahman (63) from Nawabganj, Dhaka District
  • Md. Jamal Uddin (69) from Maheshkhali Upazila, Cox's Bazar District
  • Imam Bhuiya (65) from Comilla District
  • Mohammad Shahjahan (45) from Dhaka District
  • Mohammad Nurul Alam (61) from Ramu Upazila, Cox's Bazar District
  • Maksud Ahmad (61) from Chakaria Upazila, Cox's Bazar District
  • Ariful Islam (57) from Rampura, Dhaka
  • Mumtaz Begum (63) from Faridpur District

The pilgrims passed away while undergoing treatment in various local government hospitals in Mecca and Medina.

As of now, a total of 67,138 Bangladeshi pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia, traveling via 172 flights. Out of these, 4,550 pilgrims are under government management, and 62,588 are under private management. This year, 85,252 people from Bangladesh are expected to perform Hajj under both government and private arrangements.

For every 44 pilgrims, there is one guide, totaling 1,899 guides accompanying the Bangladeshi pilgrims.

The Bangladeshi authorities have been monitoring the situation closely, and efforts are being made to support the families of the deceased. The Hajj pilgrimage, being one of the largest religious gatherings globally, often faces challenges related to health and logistics, underscoring the need for robust support systems for the pilgrims.