Dhaka, June 16 -- The death toll of Bangladeshi pilgrims during this year's Hajj has risen to 29, as Saudi Arabia grapples with an intense heatwave across the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed on Saturday.

The most recent death was that of Rokeya Begum, 62, from Barguna, who passed away in Makkah. She had arrived in Saudi Arabia on June 1 via a Saudia Airlines flight.

Of the 29 deceased pilgrims, 25 were men and four were women. Nineteen of the deaths occurred in Makkah, nine in Madinah, and one on Mount Arafat. Additionally, 19 Bangladeshi pilgrims are currently undergoing treatment at various public hospitals in Saudi Arabia.

In response to the soaring temperatures, the ministry has issued...