The government is making its highest diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates residing in the Middle East amid the ongoing war situation, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed has said.
She made the remarks during a briefing in front of Gate No. 8 of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at around 11:30 am on Friday (March 20).
Earlier in the day, at 10:45 am, the body of expatriate Bangladeshi Mosharraf Hossain—who was killed in Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States—arrived at the airport. The state minister visited the airport to express condolences to his family members. Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury was also present at the time.
Shama Obaed said that many expatriates are facing difficulties due to the war situation in the Middle East. The government is making every effort to ensure their safety and, if necessary, to bring them back to the country.
She noted that a significant portion of Bangladeshi migrant workers are employed in the Middle East. “Through diplomatic and foreign policy efforts, we are trying to ensure that expatriates remain safe and, if needed, can return home in good health,” she said.
“We want a swift resolution to this war through diplomatic means. Dialogue is the only solution to this global crisis,” she added.
Shama Obaed further said that Bangladesh’s missions in the Middle East are working at full capacity. Relevant ministries are actively engaged in ensuring the safety of expatriates while maintaining constant communication with the missions. Many expatriates are willing to return home, and discussions are underway with Biman Bangladesh Airlines to operate special flights for them.