Hajj camp at Ashkona, adjacent to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, has once again been bustling.
Each year, pilgrims from Dhaka and beyond gather here before embarking on their sacred journey, and once more, the camp is abuzz with their arrival.
The first flight for the 2025 Hajj season is scheduled for 29 April, while the formal inauguration of this year’s Hajj operations at the camp will take place today, 28 April.
As per regulations, pilgrims must report to the camp at least six hours prior to their flight.
However, many, particularly those travelling from distant districts, are arriving days in advance to ensure a smooth departure.
Since yesterday, the camp has begun to thrum with the footsteps of pilgrims.
A visit to the Hajj camp on Sunday afternoon revealed that, with two days remaining until the inaugural flight and the official commencement of camp activities, crowds remain relatively light.
Arriving pilgrims are spared the inconvenience of waiting outside. As in recent years, entry is strictly restricted to pilgrims only.
Inside, some pilgrims were seen queuing to report, while others ventured out for meals or last-minute shopping.
Nazma Akter, who arrived from Kushtia with her husband, shared: “Our flight is at 9:40pm tomorrow, so we arrived two days early. The environment here is quite clean—when it is not, mosquitoes are a real nuisance.”
On the women’s accommodation, she added: “It is comfortable and not overcrowded, which is a relief.”
Md Moslem from Dinajpur, who arrived at dawn for his 30 April flight, said: “We are staying together in dormitories. There is a canteen inside, though today I plan to eat outside and do a bit of shopping.” Despite the communal living arrangements, he reported no major issues with hygiene, noting, “There are sufficient clean bathrooms and shower facilities.”
Scout volunteers are actively assisting pilgrims, checking ID cards at the entrance and directing them to their designated areas.
Md Lokman Hossain, Director of the Hajj Office, told the press: “Public expectations are higher this year, given changing circumstances. We are striving to meet them. Mosquito infestations have been an issue in previous years, but we are taking steps to prevent that. We are also ensuring the cleanliness of the washrooms.”
He also highlighted some innovations: a new mobile app will allow pilgrims to quickly share their location in case of medical emergencies, enabling rapid assistance. Affordable roaming SIM cards and debit cards are also being provided to keep pilgrims connected and financially secure during their pilgrimage.
The inauguration ceremony today will be attended by AFM Khalid Hossain, adviser on Religious Affairs to the interim government, with Sheikh Bashiruddin, Advisers on Commerce, Aviation and Tourism, also present.
Security measures inside the camp are robust. A control room has been established by Dhaka Metropolitan Police, and according to Taslima Akter, Officer-in-Charge of the Airport Zone, a three-tier security perimeter has been set up, covering the camp, the airport, and surrounding police jurisdictions.
Over 300 police personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
According to the Hajj Management Portal, 87,100 pilgrims will perform Hajj from Bangladesh in 2025—5,200 under government management and 81,900 under private arrangements.
Women comprise 35% of the pilgrims, with men making up 65%.
As of Sunday evening, visas had been issued to 80% of the pilgrims. To support the pilgrims, 112 government and 1,743 private guides will be deployed, alongside 70 Moallems.
As of 2 pm on Sunday, 1,556 pilgrims had reported to the Hajj camp.
Hajj Flights
The first Hajj flight of 2025 will depart in the early hours of 29 April, carrying 419 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. AFM Khalid Hossain will officially inaugurate the flight.
Three airlines—Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia, and Flynas—will operate Hajj flights this year. Flights will continue until 31 May. Return flights will commence on 10 June and conclude by 10 July.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines will operate 118 outbound and 108 inbound flights.
Saudia will manage 80 outbound and 79 inbound flights, while Flynas will handle 34 flights each way.
Biman’s General Manager of Public Relations, Bosra Islam, stated: “Our first Hajj flight will depart at 3 am on 29 April. This year, Biman is using its own aircraft to carry approximately 44,000 pilgrims across four planes.”