Bangladesh repatriating nationals from Iran, other Middle Eastern countries amid war: State minister

Bangladesh is repatriating some of its citizens from Iran and other Middle Eastern countries amid the US-Israel war on Iran, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said, with authorities confirming that five Bangladeshi nationals have been killed so far.

More Bangladeshis will be brought back in phases depending on the evolving situation, Shama said today (20 March) at Dhaka airport while receiving the body of Mosharraf Hossain, killed in a missile attack in Saudi Arabia.

“We are ready. Those who want to return will be brought back based on the situation,” she said, adding that relevant ministries are on standby.

“The government is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of Bangladeshis currently in conflict-affected countries. Protecting our citizens remains our top priority.”

The state minister added that Bangladeshi missions in the region are maintaining contact with nationals and monitoring their safety.

Dhaka hopes for an end to the conflict and supports a diplomatic resolution through dialogue, she said.

One hundred eighty-six Bangladeshis are being brought back from Iran via Azerbaijan, she mentioned.

Responding to questions about broader evacuation efforts, the state minister said the government is prepared to bring back more citizens in phases.

Meanwhile, Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury told reporters at the airport that the government will continue to support Bangladeshis affected by the conflict.

He added that financial assistance will be provided to the family of Mosharraf, including support for his two children’s education.

On the issue of employment for returnees, he said the government will engage with them upon arrival.

“Some may want to return abroad… We will assist them as we did with visa extensions. The expatriates’ welfare ministry will provide all necessary support,” he said.

The minister said the government is covering the cost of transporting the bodies of the deceased to their homes.

Families of the deceased are also receiving Tk3.5 lakh in compensation, while those holding BMET cards will receive an additional Tk10 lakh, he added.

Mosharraf was killed on 8 March in a missile strike in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Kharj area, shortly before iftar. Three people were killed in the attack.

His body arrived in Dhaka on a Saudia flight this morning and was received by government officials in the presence of his family.

The body of Mosharraf, a resident of Sakhipur in Tangail, was later handed over to his family.