117 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia till July 27

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh, 117 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims died in Saudi Arabia this year as of July 27. 91 men and 26 women were among the deceased. According to the Dhaka Tribune, the most recent fatalities were Anuara Begum, 66, Md. Aminul Islam, 72, and Abul Kashem, 89. This year, the annual ceremonies were held in temperatures that reached 48°C. The Saudi government reports that this year, over 2000 people experienced heat exhaustion.

However, since many people were not admitted to hospitals or clinics, the actual number for heat stress is likely much higher. In addition, 95 Hajis passed away in Mecca, nine in Mina, eight in Madina, two in Arafah, one in Jeddah, and 95 in Muzdalifa. According to various media outlets in Bangladesh and around the world, seven Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims died on June 29 as a result of heat stroke, according to the Dhaka Tribune. On 260 flights up until Thursday, 98,746 Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims in total had returned home.

The final flight, though, is scheduled to land on August 2. After the annual Hajj in Saudi Arabia was over on June 30, tens of thousands of Muslims began to leave Mecca in the sweltering heat. Additionally, the Dhaka Tribune reported that over 1.8 million pilgrims performed the Hajj this year.