First hajj flight takes off today

Bangladesh Biman starts operating its hajj flights to Jeddah from Zia International Airport today Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will inaugurate the hajj flight at the airport at 12:30pm, said a Biman press release yesterday.

On the opening day, the first flight will leave Dhaka for Jeddah at 1pm with 274 ballotee hajj pilgrims. Biman will carry 25,000 ballotee and non-ballotee hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia through its 29 ballotee and 70 non-ballotee hajj flights.

Ministers, parliament members, foreign diplomats and high government officials will be present at the inaugural programme.