5 Bangladeshis killed in Middle East war, 186 repatriated from Iran
Five Bangladeshi nationals have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the remains of two having been repatriated to Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the government has successfully facilitated the safe return of 186 citizens from Iran amid the escalating regional tensions.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam confirmed these developments during the question-answer session of the Jatiya Sangsad on Monday afternoon.
"The security of Bangladeshis residing in the Middle East has been the paramount priority of the Government of Bangladesh since the outbreak of hostilities," the State Minister stated. "Our diplomatic missions are operating comprehensively and around the clock to safeguard our citizens."
"We have, regrettably, lost five of our fellow citizens. We have been able to repatriate the remains of two," she added.
Addressing the complexities of the situation, Minister Obaid noted that the volatile and unpredictable nature of the conflict presents significant challenges. "The situation on the ground is highly complex. Even our own citizens sometimes struggle to ascertain when and where hostilities may erupt," she explained.
"Through a chartered flight, we have safely brought 186 Bangladeshis back to the country from Tehran."
The State Minister emphasised that the welfare of Bangladeshi citizens abroad remains a central concern. "It is unequivocally our priority to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi citizens, wherever they may be in the world," she affirmed.
Energy security assured
Turning to domestic matters, Shama Obaed dismissed concerns regarding an energy crisis in Bangladesh. "There is currently no energy crisis in the country," she stated.
She highlighted that the Prime Minister has held multiple coordination meetings with the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant stakeholders to diversify energy procurement channels beyond the Middle East.
"We are working tirelessly to secure alternative energy sources from regions outside the Middle East. Insha'Allah, we will succeed in these efforts," the State Minister said.