Riyadh:Two Bangladeshi nationals were killed and four others are in intensive care after an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, as reported by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the four injured Bangladeshis are being treated in the intensive care unit at King Khalid Hospital. Minister Shama stated that information from Saudi authorities, relayed through Bangladesh's mission in Riyadh, indicates an overall death toll of 12 with over 300 individuals injured and receiving treatment.
Efforts are underway to confirm the identities of the deceased and injured Bangladeshis. Officials are gathering information about the victims' home districts and their families, who will be contacted once details are verified. The Bangladeshi government will cover the costs of repatriating the bodies of the deceased.
The Foreign Ministry, along with the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, is coordinating with Saudi authorities and victims' employers to expedite the process of bringing the bodies home. Shama noted that 14 Bangladeshi nationals have died in the ongoing Middle East conflict, including one in a previous Houthi attack in Saudi Arabia.
Expressing sorrow over the deaths, Shama called for an end to the war and the attacks that threaten innocent lives. She highlighted the contributions of Bangladeshi migrant workers to their country through remittances and described their deaths as deeply painful. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasized prioritizing the safety and welfare of Bangladeshi workers abroad.
The Bangladesh mission is reaching out to expatriates to assess their conditions and provide safety guidance. Despite the temporary suspension of Biman Bangladesh Airlines' Riyadh services, there has been no information about damage to Bangladeshi aircraft or flights from the attack.
The foreign ministry strongly condemned the Houthi attack on October 10, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and civilian protection. Bangladesh extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the injured's recovery. The country reiterated its solidarity with Saudi Arabia and urged a peaceful resolution to the conflict for regional stability.