Govt taking steps to bring back remains of 2 Bangladeshi students killed in US: Foreign minister

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman today (28 April) said the government has taken necessary measures to bring back the remains of two Bangladeshi students killed at the University of South Florida in the United States as quickly as possible.

He provided the information during the 23rd day of the first session of the 13th national parliament, in response to a question from AE Sultan Mahmud Babu, MP for Jamalpur-2.

The parliamentary sitting was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Replying to the query, the minister said the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington and the Bangladesh Consulate General in Florida have been working closely since the deaths of the two students.

He said the missions are maintaining regular communication with the bereaved families, the university authorities, and the local administration.

In addition to the legal process, arrangements are being made under government supervision to return the remains to their families in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time, he added.

Khalilur Rahman said ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi citizens living and working abroad is one of the government's top priorities.

He said the government is working to make embassies not only official institutions but also places of trust for expatriates.

The minister added that consular assistance has been strengthened, particularly for the rescue, safe shelter, and repatriation of Bangladeshis in conflict-affected areas of the Middle East.

He also said embassies have been instructed to act swiftly in coordination with local law enforcement agencies if any incidents of violence or insecurity involving Bangladeshis occur abroad.

According to the minister, the government is continuing diplomatic efforts at local and international levels to ensure the security of expatriates.