Desk Report: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman late Friday night formally inaugurated this year’s Hajj flights at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage journey for thousands of Bangladeshi Muslims.The inaugural flight, BG3001, departed the airport at 12:20 am on Saturday for King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, carrying 418 pilgrims. The Prime Minister officially opened the flight at 11:57 pm.Arriving at the airport around 11:30 pm, Tarique Rahman boarded the aircraft and personally interacted with the pilgrims. He exchanged greetings, shook hands, and presented gifts to those on board. He also joined a munajat (special prayer), seeking divine blessings for the safe and successful completion of the Hajj rituals.During the interaction, the Prime Minister urged the pilgrims to pray for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the nation and its people. He expressed optimism that government measures have significantly improved Hajj management and services, adding that further enhancements would be made in the future.Earlier in the evening, the Prime Minister visited the Ashkona Hajj Camp in the capital, where he exchanged pleasantries with pilgrims and inaugurated a medical camp to ensure healthcare support for them before departure.Several cabinet members and dignitaries were present at the inauguration ceremony, including Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad), Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita), State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah.According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a total of 14 flights are scheduled for April 18 alone—six operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, four by Saudia, and four by Flynas.Pre-Hajj flight operations will continue until May 21, with a total of 207 flights planned. Of these, 102 will be operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 75 by Saudia, and 30 by Flynas.Bangladesh is expected to send around 78,500 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia this year, making it one of the largest Hajj-participating countries in the world. Among them, 4,565 pilgrims will travel under government arrangements, while 73,935 will perform Hajj through private agencies.Approximately half of the pilgrims will travel on Biman Bangladesh Airlines, while the rest will use Saudia and Flynas services.Subject to the sighting of the moon, the holy Hajj is expected to take place on May 26, 2026. Return flights are scheduled to begin on May 30 and will continue until July 1. Authorities have expressed confidence that improved coordination, enhanced facilities, and better management will ensure a smoother pilgrimage experience for all travelers this year.