As many as 23,964 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia in the last 15 days, to perform the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

A total of 65 flights carried them to their destination, including 35 flights from Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 25 flights from Saudi Airlines, and five flights from Flynas Airlines.

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, many pilgrims do not report to Hajj camps on time, which delays the flights. On top of that, Saudi Arabia authorities impose fines on airlines if they fail to deliver pilgrims as scheduled.

Hence, the ministry has requested all pilgrims arrive at the camp at least 8 hours before their flight.

The holy Hajj is set to be held in Saudi Arabia on July 7 (Zilhaj 9) subject to the sighting of the moon.

This year, a total of 56,585 pilgrims, including 4,000 in government and 53,585 in private management, are scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia for the holy pilgrimage.

A total of 128 flights will be operated from Bangladesh for Hajj. Biman will carry Hajj passengers on 65 flights, Saudia on 51 flights and Flynas on 12 flights.

The last Hajj flight from Dhaka will leave on July 4.