Body of Bangladeshi expatriate killed in Dubai arrives in Sylhet

The body of Bangladeshi expatriate Ahmed Ali, who was killed in the US-Israel attack on Dubai, has arrived at his hometown, Sylhet.

Md Nurul Haque Choudhury, state minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, received the body at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 8:20am 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 coffin arrived at Osmani International Airport this afternoon on a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

Ali was killed on 28 February in an Iranian missile strike in Dubai. He had been living in Dubai for 35 years. Although his name was listed as Ahmed Ali in his passport, he was widely known as Saleh Ahmed in his hometown in Barlekha.

Family members broke down in tears as the body arrived in Sylhet. His son, brother and other relatives were present at the airport to receive the body, where the expatriates' welfare state minister consoled the grieving family.

After receiving the body, the victim's cousin Kamal Ahmed expressed gratitude to the government, saying authorities maintained constant contact with the family after the incident.

"Our request is that my brother be granted the status of a martyr," he said.

Briefing journalists at Dhaka airport, State Minister Md Nurul Haque said four Bangladeshi expatriates have been killed since the war broke out between US-Israel 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.

He added that those injured in the incidents are receiving treatment at hospitals in the respective countries. "We are keeping track of their condition and staying in contact with their families. We stand by our expatriates," he said.

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

At Dhaka airport, Shama Obaed Islam also said ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi citizens abroad remains a top priority for the government.