Dhaka: In a recent statement, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed announced that the Bangladeshi government is actively coordinating with the families of two Bangladeshi nationals who lost their lives in the Middle East to ensure the repatriation of their bodies. The government is taking necessary measures to facilitate a smooth return of the deceased once the situation in the region stabilizes, she informed reporters following an inter-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the meeting was attended by key officials, including Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir. The meeting also included representatives from Biman Bangladesh Airlines and other departments. Humaiun Kobir emphasized the government’s commitment to the welfare, safety, and security of Bangladeshi citizens amidst the ongoing unrest in the Middle East. He reiterated the government’s priority in ensuring protection for its nationals and called for diplomatic efforts to deescalate the situation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that two Bangladeshi nationals have died, and seven others have been injured due to missile and drone attacks in various parts of the Middle East. In the United Arab Emirates, Saleh Ahmed from Baralekha, Sylhet, was killed by debris from an aerial attack in Ajman. The Bangladeshi Embassy in the UAE is coordinating with local authorities for repatriating his remains once flights resume.
In Bahrain, one Bangladeshi national was killed, and three others were injured. The Bangladesh Mission in Manama is in contact with local authorities regarding the incident. Additionally, in Kuwait, four Bangladeshi nationals sustained injuries from a drone attack near a civilian airport. They have received medical care and are reported to be stable. The Bangladeshi Embassy in Kuwait is maintaining regular communication with the injured, and the Ambassador has visited them in the hospital.
The Bangladesh Shipping Corporation vessel Banglar Joyjatra remains stranded at Jebel Ali Port in the UAE. The Embassy is in close contact with the vessel’s captain, and all crew members are reported safe. The Bangladeshi government continues to express deep concern over the escalating crisis in the Middle East and is closely monitoring the situation.