Against the background of the Iran-Israel conflicts, Bangladesh has taken an initiative to shift Bangladeshis, including its Mission officials to a safer location soon from Tehran, considering the situation on the ground in the Iranian capital.
"At this moment, there is no way to leave Iran (by air). We have given them (Bangladeshis) instructions to move to a safer place," acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Secretary (East) Dr Md Nazrul Islam and Director General (Public Diplomacy) Shah Asif Rahman were also present.
Siddique said the relocation process has already started with the funds available with the Mission.
The acting Foreign Secretary said they are worried about 400 Bangladeshis in Tehran as they are at serious risk.
Siddique, however, said there is additional financial involvement in terms of evacuation and relocation and there are certain difficulties in terms of sending financial support to Iran's internal systems.
That is why, the acting Foreign Secretary said the evacuation and relocation is going to be delayed to some extent. Bangladesh Ambassador to Iran has already moved to a relatively safe place leaving his residence taking the safety issues into consideration, Siddique said.
Responding to a question, the acting Foreign Secretary said there are around 400 Bangladeshis in Tehran and 100 Bangladeshis communicated with the government of Bangladesh.
Siddique said they government will bear the cost related to evacuation and housing in the safer places and they will explore whether they can be sent outside Iran through Pakistan or Turkey if anyone wants to leave by land route.
There are 40 staff members in Bangladesh Mission in Tehran.
"We are exploring all avenues," said the acting Foreign Secretary, adding that they are seeking support from friendly countries, including from Iran.
The mission is in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this regard.
The chancery is not safe and there is sensitive infrastructure (first nuclear research centre of Tehran University) located within one kilometre of it. Attempts were made to destroy it in the past days.
One of the two communication (internet) hubs of Tehran is also very close to the chancery.
Officers and staff of the Embassy fear becoming collateral damage of any attack on those infrastructures.
The acting Foreign Secretary said there is no sign of the Iran-Israel conflict ending soon and the consequences of that would be very damaging for Bangladesh. The Middle East is very important for Bangladesh economically, he added.
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Highlighting the possible aspects of the impacts, Siddique said those who are working there might lose their jobs.
“As far as I can see or understand, there is no signal or possibility of the war ending easily at the moment. However, we appeal to the international community that it is important to stop this conflict as soon as possible and establish peace in the Middle East. Otherwise, the consequences of the war can be very dire,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi citizens living in Iran and their relatives in Bangladesh have been informed that the Bangladesh Embassy in Tehran and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka set up a hotline for emergency communication in the current situation.
All Bangladeshi citizens living in Iran and their relatives in Bangladesh can directly contact the following mobile phone numbers (including WhatsApp) of the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in case of emergency:
Bangladesh Embassy, Tehran Hotline:
1. +989908577368
2. +989122065745
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka Hotline:
+8801712012847
The number of Bangladeshis living in Iran is less than 2000 and many of them got married there.
On June 14, Bangladesh urged the United Nations and the international community to act collectively in support of a stable Middle East, underscoring that diplomacy and mutual respect remain the only viable path to lasting peace.
"Bangladesh calls upon all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and refrain from any actions that may further escalate tensions in an already volatile region," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bangladesh unequivocally expressed its strong condemnation and deep concern over the latest Israeli military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
This blatant act of hostility constitutes a clear violation of the United Nations Charter and fundamental principles of international law and the sovereignty of Iran, Bangladesh said. "It poses a serious threat to regional and global peace and security with far-reaching consequences."
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