Prime Minister Tarique Rahman officially inaugurated the 2026 Hajj flight operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) on Friday night.
Tarique, who also serves as the BNP chairman, arrived at the airport at approximately 11:30pm and proceeded directly to the aircraft.
At 11:57pm, he formally opened the first Hajj flight, BG3001, which was scheduled to depart for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 12:20am carrying 418 pilgrims.
Whilst on board, the prime minister interacted with the pilgrims and shook hands with them. He participated in a munajat (prayer) inside the aircraft, seeking divine blessings for the successful completion of the Hajj rituals.
Addressing the travellers, Tarique requested their doa (prayers) for the country, its citizens, and his government.
The ceremony was attended by Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita.
State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and the Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah were also among the officials present.
Earlier in the evening, Tarique visited the Ashkona Hajj Camp in the city to exchange pleasantries with pilgrims. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, 14 flights are scheduled for today, including six operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines and four each by Saudia and Flynas.
The pre-Hajj flight phase is set to conclude on 21 May. A total of 207 pre-Hajj flights have been scheduled, consisting of 102 by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 75 by Saudia, and 30 by Flynas.
Bangladesh, a major contributor to the global Hajj pilgrimage, expects to send approximately 78,500 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year. Of these, 4,565 pilgrims will travel under government management, while 73,935 will be managed by private agencies.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is expected to transport roughly 50 per cent of the pilgrims, with the remainder travelling via Saudia and Flynas.
Subject to the sighting of the moon, the holy Hajj is anticipated to take place on 26 May 2026. Return flights are scheduled to begin on 30 May following the completion of the rituals and will continue until 1 July.
