At least 23 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died in Saudi Arabia during the ongoing Hajj season, according to the Hajj Management Portal of the Bangladeshi government. The deaths were reported between May 9 and June 12, 2025, with the deceased consisting of 19 men and four women.
Of the 23 deceased, 21 passed away in Mecca, one in Madinah, and another in Jeddah, according to official records updated as of June 12, 2025, at 2 pm local time. The report does not disclose the causes of death, but historically, factors such as heatstroke, cardiac conditions, and the physical toll of the pilgrimage have contributed to fatalities during Hajj.
The Hajj is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world and one of the five pillars of Islam. This year, a total of 83,311 Bangladeshi pilgrims are set to perform the Hajj, with over 56,000 having already arrived in Saudi Arabia as of Wednesday. The pilgrims are traveling through both government and private Hajj agencies.
Saudi Arabia has implemented new safety and health protocols to manage the massive influx of pilgrims from across the world, including medical services, hydration stations, and emergency response teams. Despite these measures, incidents of illness and death are not uncommon due to the extreme temperatures and physically demanding rituals of Hajj.
The Bangladesh Hajj Office in Saudi Arabia is working closely with the local authorities and the families of the deceased to manage funeral and burial procedures. In accordance with Islamic tradition and Saudi regulations, the pilgrims who die during Hajj are typically buried in Saudi Arabia, often in designated cemeteries for foreign pilgrims in Mecca or Madinah.
Authorities have not released the identities of the deceased in the public domain but have assured that families back home are being informed through official channels.
The Hajj pilgrimage is expected to reach its peak around mid-June, culminating in the Day of Arafah, followed by Eid al-Adha. With large crowds and intense summer heat, the risk to elderly and chronically ill pilgrims remains high. Bangladeshi health officials stationed in Saudi Arabia continue to monitor the condition of pilgrims and provide medical support as necessary.
The Bangladeshi government has urged all pilgrims to remain hydrated, avoid direct sunlight, and seek medical attention at the earliest signs of distress. Portable mist fans, water sprayers, and emergency medical kits are being distributed to help pilgrims cope with the extreme conditions.
This year’s Hajj has drawn over 2 million Muslims from around the world. With logistical challenges ranging from crowd management to health surveillance, Saudi authorities have coordinated a large-scale operation involving tens of thousands of personnel to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience.
In addition to health concerns, Bangladeshi officials are also focused on ensuring the smooth operation of services including transportation, accommodation, and food for the pilgrims. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has deployed a monitoring team in Saudi Arabia to oversee the implementation of support services.
Religious Affairs Minister Md Faridul Haque Khan earlier stated that every effort is being made to ensure a safe and fulfilling Hajj experience for Bangladeshi pilgrims. He also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the forgiveness and peace of the departed souls.
The Hajj journey is not only a spiritual milestone but also a test of physical endurance, particularly for elderly pilgrims. As the pilgrimage progresses, the Bangladeshi authorities remain vigilant to prevent further casualties and ensure the welfare of all pilgrims abroad.
Source: UNB
