Dhaka, April 17 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sent gifts for Hajj pilgrims as a welcome gesture before the start of the annual pilgrimage for Muslim devotees.

In a media statement hours before this year's maiden flight on Friday, the Ministry of Religious Affairs said the gifts reached the Dhaka Haj Office.

Md Lokman Hossain, director of the office, said: "The premier has sent several types of gifts for the guests of Allah."

The gifts include 100,000 bottles of mineral water alongside backpacks, Ihram (Hajj kits), soaps, water pots, petroleum jelly, Miswak (wooden tooth brushes) and dates.

These gifts have been packaged and will be handed over to the pilgrims of the inaugural flight, said Lokman.

The prime minister will offici...