Riyadh:Two Bangladeshis were killed and four others injured in an attack on King Khalid International Airport, as confirmed by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. The injured are receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at King Khalid Hospital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Shama Islam stated that information from Saudi authorities through Bangladesh's mission in Riyadh indicates the overall death toll from the attack stands at 12, with over 300 individuals injured. Efforts are underway to confirm the identities of the deceased and injured Bangladeshis.
Officials are gathering information about the victims' home districts and families. Once details are confirmed, the families will be contacted, and the government will cover the costs of repatriating the bodies. The Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment are coordinating with Saudi authorities and employers to expedite the process.
Shama Islam highlighted that Bangladesh has lost 14 nationals in the ongoing Middle East conflict, including one killed in a previous Houthi attack in Saudi Arabia. She expressed sorrow for the losses and urged an end to the war and attacks affecting innocent lives. She emphasized the government's priority on ensuring the safety of Bangladeshis working abroad.
The Bangladesh mission is actively reaching out to expatriates for their safety and well-being. In light of the attack, Biman Bangladesh Airlines temporarily suspended services to Riyadh. However, no Bangladeshi aircraft were damaged. The foreign ministry is coordinating closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and maintaining communication with Saudi authorities.
In a prior statement, the foreign ministry condemned the Houthi attack on October 10 and called for an end to hostilities. Bangladesh expressed condolences to the affected families and solidarity with Saudi Arabia, urging a peaceful resolution to the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy.