Body of Bangladeshi expatriate killed in Dubai arrives in Dhaka

The body of Bangladeshi expatriate Ahmed Ali, who was killed in the US-Israel attack on Dubai, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka this morning (9 March).

Md Nurul Haque, state minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, received the body at the airport in the presence of Shama Obaed Islam, state minister for Foreign Affairs and Niamat Ullah Bhuiyan, senior secretary of the ministry. Family members of the deceased were also present.

The deceased, Ahmed Ali also known as Saleh Ahmed was a resident of Barlekha upazila in Moulvibazar district. His body arrived in Dhaka at around 8:20am on an Emirates flight (EK 582).

Shama Obaed Islam said officials will take Ahmed Ali’s body to his hometown in Barlekha, Moulvibazar, where he will be laid to rest.

She also said ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi citizens abroad remains a top priority for the government.

Briefing journalists at the airport, State Minister Md Nurul Haque said four Bangladeshi expatriates have been killed since the war broke out between US-Isarel and Iran. Of the four victims two were in Saudi Arabia, one in Bahrain and one in Dubai.

He said the government has been coordinating with relevant ministries and Bangladesh missions abroad to assist expatriate workers since the crisis began.

The state minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and other relevant authorities to ensure support for Bangladeshis affected by the crisis.

Nurul Haque also said, “You have also heard that two more people were killed in Riyadh yesterday. We have contacted and spoken with their families. We are also working on bringing their bodies back to the country as soon as possible.”

According to available information, around 14 Bangladeshis have been injured in the conflict so far, he said, adding that Bangladesh missions in the respective countries are providing them with necessary assistance.

The minister also urged Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East to avoid conflict-prone areas and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.