From Dhaka to Mecca - Bangladesh pilgrims depart for Hajj despite Middle East tensions

"The first Hajj flights from Dhaka departed on Friday, marking the start of the annual airlift of Bangladeshi pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 pilgrimage. Footage shows worshippers queuing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, posing for photos and passing through security checks as they prepare for the journey to Mecca. Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, pilgrims said they were not deterred and remained focused on their religious journey. "As far as I know, only American military bases have been targeted… Mecca and Medina will be safe," said worshipper Hamidur Rashid. Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing faith over fear. "We do not feel any fear… we are going to perform Hajj for the sake of Allah," said Saidur Rahman. Pilgrims described the journey as a lifelong spiritual goal, with some making significant sacrifices to undertake it. "After all these years, Allah accepted my prayer to perform Hajj," said Abdul Halim. Numerous pilgrims were observed performing Nafil prayers or softly chanting the Talbiyah, the prayer of the Hajj, their voices echoing gently through the corridors before boarding. According to authorities, a total of 14 flights are scheduled to depart on the first day, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia and Flynas, with pilgrims travelling primarily to Jeddah. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the operation Friday night, wishing the pilgrims a safe and spiritually enriching journey. This year, approximately 78,500 Bangladeshis are expected to perform Hajj, reflecting a slight increase compared to previous post-pandemic figures. The pre-Hajj flight schedule will continue until May 21, utilising carriers including Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia, and Flynas. As the world's third-largest Muslim-majority nation, Bangladesh consistently sends one of the largest contingents of Hajj pilgrims globally. This year, the Hajj is expected to take place between May 24 and 29, with Saudi Arabia anticipating a total of 2 million pilgrims. "

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