|| CN Report: The 2026 Hajj season for Bangladesh officially began with the departure of the first flight carrying pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, marking an important milestone for the country’s annual pilgrimage arrangements.A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG 3001) transported 419 Bangladeshi pilgrims, landing safely at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 4:20am local time. The flight had departed earlier from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:20am.Upon arrival, the pilgrims were warmly received by Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Md Delwar Hossain, along with Counsellor Md Kamrul Islam. Reception arrangements included the distribution of flowers and refreshment kits, reflecting the formal hospitality extended to the pilgrims.Senior officials including Bangladesh’s Consul General in Jeddah Md Shakhawat Hossain, Assistant Seasonal Hajj Officer Md Ruhul Amin, and representatives of Saudi service provider Nusuk Marhaba were also present to oversee assistance and coordination for arriving pilgrims.According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Bangladesh, a total of 78,500 pilgrims from Bangladesh are expected to perform the Hajj 2026 this year. Subject to moon sighting, the Hajj is anticipated to take place on May 26.The return phase of the pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on May 30 and continue until July 1, ensuring a structured repatriation process for all Bangladeshi pilgrims.This inaugural flight marks the beginning of one of the country’s largest annual religious undertakings, coordinated through close cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi authorities.