DHAKA:  The first Hajj flight from Bangladesh will take off on October 10, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism GM Quader said Tuesday, revealing government preparation in advance for the pilgrimage.

This year 75 thousand Bangladeshi pilgrims will perform Hajj from the Muslim-majority country.

The sorties of Hajj flights will end November 12 while the return Hajj flights will start on November 22.     

Addressing a meeting on Hajj flights at the ministry, GM Quader asked officials of Biman Bangladesh Airlines to remain alert in operating Hajj flights to ensure proper support services for the pilgrims.

State Minister for Religious Affairs Shahjahan Miah, Civil Aviation secretary Shafiq Alam Mehedi and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Jakiul Islam were also present.     

Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Saudi Airlines will carry most of the pilgrims apart from other airliners.
 
Around 15 thousand pilgrims will perform Hajj under the government management this year while the rest under the supervision of private Hajj agencies.  

BDST 1950 HRS. June 15,2010               
IH/FA/MUA