United News of Bangladesh

A total of 46 stranded Bangladeshi nationals were repatriated from war-torn Lebanon on Tuesday on a Qatar flight (QR 640) with full government expenditure. The flight landed at 9:15 am at Hazrat Shajalal International Airport (HSIA), facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Beirut, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). So far, a total of 1292 Bangladeshi nationals have been repatriated from Lebanon by 20 flights. Officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and IOM welcomed the returnees at the airport. IOM provided each repatriated person with TK 5,000 as pocket money, food supplies and basic medical care. Deeper ties with Russia sought in meeting with new ambassador Ministry officials engaged with the returnees, discussing the horrors of the ongoing conflict and inquiring about their well-being. One Bangladeshi national has so far reportedly died in a bombing incident during the conflict. The government has reiterated its commitment to cover repatriation costs for all Bangladeshis wishing to return home from Lebanon due to the ongoing violence. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Bangladesh in Beirut continues to work tirelessly to ensure the safe return of those desiring repatriation and to guarantee the safety of those choosing to stay.

Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment has directed the district and upazila administration to provide humanitarian aid and ensure social safety of the returnee migrant workers.   Deputy Commissioners and Upazila Nirbahi Officers were directed to ensure these facilities to the returnees and their families, said a handout from the Ministry on Sunday.   Earlier on April 26, a meeting presided over by Expatriates' Welfare Minister Imran Ahmed, recommended ensuring social safety net for the returnees and their families during the ongoing pandemic.   A notice was published in this regard and later on July 1, all the UNOs and DCs were directed to provide humanitarian aid to the distressed returnees and their families.