Dhaka, May 30 -- The rituals of this year's Hajj have concluded with the symbolic stoning of the devil at the three Jamarat in Mina, marking the end of the pilgrimage.

Following the completion of the rites on Friday, the first return Hajj flight departed from Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh.

The return phase of Hajj flights will continue until Jul 1, reports bdnews24.com.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs said the first return flight left King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 12:10am local time.

Operated by Saudia Airlines (SV-5806), it marks the beginning of the pilgrims' journey home.

On the first day alone, 5,434 pilgrims are returning to Bangladesh on 13 flights.

This year's Hajj flight operations began on Apr 17 at Shahj...