Govt has begun repatriation of Bangladeshis from Iran, other countries amid war: Shama Obaed
She said that Bangladesh seeks a resolution to the crisis through diplomacy and dialogue.
The government has begun repatriating Bangladeshi expatriates from Iran and other countries amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, where five Bangladeshis have reportedly lost their lives so far, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said today (23 March).
"The situation is being closely monitored, and our missions are maintaining communication with expatriates to ensure their safety," she said at a gathering at Talma Nazimuddin High School in Nagarkanda this afternoon.
She said that Bangladesh seeks a resolution to the crisis through diplomacy and dialogue.
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Mentioning that 186 expatriates were brought back on the night before Eid (21 March), she said the return was made possible through coordination among the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Civil Aviation, and the International Labour Organization (ILO), with support from Bangladeshis living there.
However, she noted that not all expatriates want to return, as many are engaged in jobs and businesses in those countries.
She further said, "Those who wish to return depend on the situation in those countries. Many prefer to continue their work there, but those facing life-threatening risks want to come back."
"We will bring back those who want to return through chartered flights at government expense, no matter how many flights are needed. At the same time, we are trying our best to ensure the safety of those who remain there," she added.
Responding to a question about bringing back Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced by a court, the state minister said the BNP government is committed to bringing back those convicted of crimes, including human rights violations, enforced disappearances and killings over the past 17 years, to ensure the execution of their sentences.
