(BSS) - A total of 21,343 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have returned home from Saudi Arabia as of Tuesday following the completion of this year`s Hajj held on June 26.

“A total of 52 return flights were operated by three designated carriers -- 15 by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 18 by Saudia Airlines and 19 by Flynas Airlines,” an official said.

Hajj office said so far, 2,500 Hajis returned under government management, while 18,843 under private travel agencies arrangements in 52 flights.

The tragic information is that a total of 44 Bangladeshi pilgrims have passed away in Saudi Arabia during Hajj with 29 males and 15 females. Of them, 34 died in Makkah and 10 in Madinah, while no deaths were reported in Jeddah, Mina, or Muzdalifah.

Besides, a total 249 Hajis were admitted to Saudi Arabian hospitals due to various diseases. Saudi Arabian medical centre provided treatment to 54,298, while IT help desk gave services to 24,800 Hajis in Makkah and Madinah.

This year’s Hajj operations began with the first outbound flight on April 18 and concluded on May 21.

The return Hajj flights started on May 30 and will continue until June 30.