More than 76,000 Bangladeshi pilgrims have completed registration to perform Hajj in 2026, according to officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as preparations continue in line with Saudi Arabia’s pilgrimage roadmap.
Senior information officer of the ministry, Md Abu Bakor Siddik, said a total of 76,580 pilgrims have so far registered against Bangladesh’s allotted quota of 78,500. Of those, 72,344 pilgrims are registered under private management, while 4,260 are enrolled through government arrangements.
In addition to general pilgrims, medical teams, Hajj guides, and administrative and technical staff will also travel to Saudi Arabia to support Bangladeshi pilgrims during the annual religious gathering. The ministry said lists of these support personnel are sent to Saudi authorities for approval.
According to the Hajj Office, 72,344 Bangladeshi nationals are expected to perform the pilgrimage under private management, while 4,565 pilgrims will go under the government scheme. The Saudi government has set October 16, 2025, as the deadline for final registration, following the opening of the Hajj 2026 registration process on July 27, 2025.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has instructed Hajj agencies and airlines to strictly comply with Saudi guidelines on pilgrimage management, as the first flight carrying Bangladeshi pilgrims is scheduled to depart on April 18. Officials said a formal directive outlining operational requirements was sent to Hajj agencies and the three designated airlines on January 11.
The airlines assigned to transport Bangladeshi pilgrims are Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia Airlines and Flynas. Under the approved flight schedule, agencies are required to send 20 per cent of pilgrims during the mid-stage of pre-Hajj flights, with the remaining pilgrims distributed between the first and final stages of flight operations.
The ministry has made it clear that no agency is permitted to issue tickets for less than 30 per cent or more than 50 per cent of pilgrims during either the first or last phases of the Hajj flight schedule. Authorities have urged all parties involved to ensure ticketing and flight operations strictly follow the prescribed rules.
Pilgrims completed both initial and final registration through multiple platforms, including the government’s e-Hajj system, the Labbaik mobile application, Union Digital Centres, Islamic Foundation offices at divisional and district levels, the Baitul Mukarram office and the Ashkona Hajj Office.
Saudi authorities have also made medical fitness mandatory for all pilgrims. The Nasuk Massar platform has advised pilgrims to prioritise their health and prepare both physically and mentally to cope with common health challenges during the pilgrimage.
Officials said registration and logistical preparations are progressing steadily as Bangladesh works to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated Hajj experience for its pilgrims in 2026.
