Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited the Ashkona Hajj Camp in the city and exchanged pleasantries with the Hajj pilgrims tonight.

The premier arrived at the Hajj Camp around 10:50 pm and talked to pilgrims, hugging them and shaking hands.

At that time, Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, joined a munajat (prayer) there, wishing successful completion of the Hajj rituals.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) and Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain were among the companions of the Prime Minister during the Hajj Camp visit.

After visiting Hajj Camp, the Prime Minister formally opened the first Hajj flight (BG3001) at 11:57pm, which was scheduled to depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport here at 12:20 am for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, carrying 418 pilgrims.

Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, arrived at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:30 pm and went straight inside the aircraft.

At that time, he was seen talking to each of the pilgrims onboard and shaking hands with them. The Prime Minister joined a munajat (prayer) inside the aircraft, seeking blessings of Almighty Allah for successful accomplishment of the Hajj rituals.

Later, addressing the pilgrims, the Prime Minister sought doa from them for the country and 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.

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 under private agencies.

About 50 percent of the hajj pilgrims will travel by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, while the remaining passengers 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 Hajj rituals and will continue until July 1 next.