DHAKA: A total of 60,588 Bangladeshi pilgrims have returned from Saudi Arabia after performing Hajj, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The ministry reported that 54 Bangladeshi pilgrims died during this year’s pilgrimage, including 36 men and 18 women. Most deaths occurred in Makkah (37), followed by Madinah (16) and Jeddah (1).

Among the returnees, 4,319 traveled under government arrangements, while 56,269 participated through private agencies.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines transported the largest number of returning pilgrims, carrying 26,868 passengers, followed by Saudi Airlines with 21,045 and Flynas with 8,672. A total of 152 return flights have been operated so far.

Healthcare support for Bangladeshi pilgrims remains active in Saudi Arabia, with more than 66,000 e-prescriptions issued and over 28,000 services provided through IT helpdesks.

This year, 78,500 Bangladeshis performed Hajj. Repatriation flights, which began on May 30, will continue until June 30.