40 Umrah Pilgrims Stranded in Riyadh Return Home, Welcomed at Airport by Religious Affairs Ministry

Forty Bangladeshi Umrah pilgrims who were stranded following an untoward incident caused by a Houthi rebel attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have returned home safely.

They arrived from Jeddah at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital on Sunday (25 October) at noon. All of those who returned were Umrah pilgrims who had been stranded in Saudi Arabia.

At the airport, Director (Hajj) Md Lokman Hossain and the ministry's Public Relations Officer Md Farhad Ahmed, along with other officials, welcomed the returning pilgrims on the direction of Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad).

After returning home, they expressed gratitude for the direction and cooperation of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Muallim Abdullah-Al-Mamun, who led the group, said that while they were in Saudi Arabia the Religious Affairs Minister stayed in contact with them at every moment, regularly checked on them, and directed the authorities to stand by them at all times and provide all-out assistance.

He said that, on the minister's direction, food, clothing and necessary medicines were distributed among pilgrims who were in difficulty because they had not received their luggage. After their return, hospitality and transport were arranged so they could reach their own destinations (Sirajganj) safely, for which they expressed deep gratitude to the minister. The pilgrims also prayed for the minister's health and long life.

The pilgrims also sincerely thanked the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh, the Makkah and Madinah Hajj Missions, the Royal Saudi government and the Saudi Airlines authorities for providing them with necessary assistance.

The Religious Affairs Ministry said it provided overall coordination to bring the Umrah pilgrims home safely. The minister maintained constant contact with the pilgrim group during their stay in Saudi Arabia and directed the officials concerned to ensure the necessary cooperation.

On Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad's own initiative, two days of hospitality and clothing were arranged for the pilgrims staying there. After their return at the airport, hospitality and vehicle facilities to reach their destination, Sirajganj town, were provided from the minister's personal fund.

Seven Umrah pilgrims from the Bangladeshi group injured in the Houthi rebel attack remain under treatment at a hospital in Riyadh. The Religious Affairs Ministry is constantly monitoring their medical care.