Amid the growing tensions in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Monday reaffirmed that Bangladesh’s position remains unequivocal, with the protection of its citizens and national interests as the foremost priority.
“If our citizens are affected, we will stand firmly beside them. We do not believe war or conflict offers any solution. Our greatest national interest is our people. We hope no Bangladeshi will lose life or suffer injury. We seek a peaceful resolution as soon as possible through dialogue and diplomacy,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after an inter-ministerial meeting on the evolving situation in the Middle East.
The Foreign Minister said necessary measures are being taken to ensure that Bangladeshis currently stranded in the country can travel smoothly to their respective destinations for employment once flight operations resume.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said the government remains in close contact with the families of the two Bangladeshi nationals who lost their lives.
Arrangements are underway to repatriate their bodies once conditions stabilise.
She also reiterated that steps are being taken to facilitate the departure of stranded workers as soon as the situation normalises.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir emphasised that the government will do everything possible to safeguard the welfare and security of Bangladeshi citizens amid the ongoing crisis.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said all relevant issues were thoroughly reviewed.
“They (Bangladesh nationals) are our utmost priority,” he said, underscoring the government’s full commitment to their protection and well-being. Kobir also called for de-escalation and urged all parties to pursue diplomacy.
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Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhhury, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Hoque, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and representatives from Biman Bangladesh Airlines and other relevant departments were present at the meeting.
Two Bangladeshi nationals have lost their lives and seven others have sustained injuries due to missile and drone attacks in different parts of the Middle East.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared the updates on Monday, stating that the government of Bangladesh is ‘deeply saddened’.
In the United Arab Emirates, Saleh Ahmed, a Bangladeshi national from Baralekha, Sylhet, tragically lost his life in Ajman after being struck by debris resulting from an aerial attack on a civilian installation.
The Embassy of Bangladesh in the United Arab Emirates is in close contact with the local authorities regarding the matter and is extending necessary assistance to repatriate the mortal remains once commercial flights resume, said the ministry.
It has been reported that one Bangladeshi national has been killed and three more have been injured in Bahrain.
Bangladesh Mission in Manama is in touch with the local authorities regarding the incident.
In the State of Kuwait, four Bangladeshi nationals, Aminul Islam from Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria; Rabiul Islam from Sathia, Pabna; Masudur Rahman from Begumganj, Noakhali; and Dulal Miah from Chandina, Cumilla, sustained injuries following a drone attack in the vicinity of the civilian airport.
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They have received necessary medical treatment and are currently reported to be in stable condition.
The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kuwait remains in regular contact with them and the Ambassador personally visited them at the hospital, said the Ministry.
Separately, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation vessel Banglar Joyjatra is currently stranded at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates.
The Embassy is maintaining close communication with the vessel's captain. All crew members are reported to be safe.
The government of Bangladesh reiterated its deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and continues to monitor developments closely.