40 stranded Umrah pilgrims return home 

The final group of 40 Bangladeshi Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia following an incident linked to a Houthi attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10 returned safely to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport-Dhaka from Jeddah on Sunday afternoon.

Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, including Director (Hajj) Md Lokman Hossain and Public Relations Officer Md Farhad Ahmed, welcomed the pilgrims at the airport on the instructions of Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad.

The ministry coordinated efforts to ensure the pilgrims’ safe return home. The minister maintained regular contact with the group during their stay in Saudi Arabia and directed officials to provide them with the necessary assistance.

On the minister’s personal initiative, the stranded pilgrims were provided with meals and clothing for two days in Saudi Arabia. On their return, they also received refreshments and transport assistance from the minister’s personal fund to reach their destinations in Sirajganj.

The pilgrims expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for his instructions and support in facilitating their safe return.

Muallim Abdullah Al Mamun, who led the group, said the religious affairs minister had remained in constant contact with the pilgrims, regularly inquired about their well-being and instructed the authorities to provide them with all possible assistance.

He said those who faced difficulties because they could not retrieve their luggage received food, clothing and essential medicines under the minister’s instructions.

The group also thanked the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh, the Hajj missions in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi government and Saudia Airlines for their support during the ordeal.

Seven Bangladeshi Umrah pilgrims injured in the incident are still receiving treatment at a hospital in Riyadh.