Prime minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated this year’s Hajj flights at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday night.

‘The prime minister first visited the Ashkona Hajj camp, where he warmly embraced the pilgrims and exchanged greetings with them. Later, he boarded the first Hajj flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines at about 11:30pm on Friday night,’ said his additional press secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

He said the prime minister spoke to the pilgrims on board and offered prayers for their safe and smooth journey to Saudi Arabia. ‘Through this, he formally inaugurated the Hajj flights.’

The additional press secretary said the prime minister requested them to pray for the country, the nation and its people so that peace prevails.

‘The prime minister said his government has worked to address the problems faced during Hajj and expressed hope that the overall arrangements will improve further in the coming years,’ Rumon said.

The first Hajj flight, carrying 419 pilgrims, was scheduled to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:20am for Saudi Arabia.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a total of 14 flights will be operated on the first day — six by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, four by Saudia and four by Flynas.

Religious affairs minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, civil aviation minister Afroza Khanam, state minister Rashiduzzaman Millat, Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah Jafar H bin Abiyyah, religious affairs secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, civil aviation secretary Fahmida Akhtar, and chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq, among others, were present.

Earlier, the prime minister visited the Hajj camp in Ashkona at about 10:50pm, where he exchanged greetings with the pilgrims, said Rumon.

Tarique greeted the pilgrims warmly, embracing them and exchanging pleasantries through handshakes, he added.

At that time, Tarique Rahman, also chairman of the ruling BNP, joined a munajat there, seeking the successful completion of the Hajj rituals and divine blessings for the country.

The prime minister also wished the pilgrims a safe return home in good health after completing the Hajj rituals.

A total of 78,500 pilgrims from Bangladesh will perform Hajj in 2026. Of them, 4,565 will travel under the government arrangement, while 73,935 will go through private Hajj agencies.

Under the agreement with Saudi Arabia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines will carry 50 per cent of the pilgrims. Of the remaining 50 per cent, Saudia will transport 35 per cent and Flynas 15 per cent.

Subject to moon sighting, Hajj is expected to be held on 26 May. Return flights are scheduled to begin on 30 May and continue until 1 July.