Israel-Iran conflict: Govt sets up hotline for Bangladeshis in Iran, relatives to communicate during emergency

The government has set up an emergency hotline for Bangladeshi nationals living in Iran and their relatives in Bangladesh to reach out during emergencies amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

"It is hereby informed to all Bangladeshi citizens living in Iran and their relatives in Bangladesh that the Bangladesh Embassy in Tehran and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka have set up an emergency hotline for communication in case of emergency in the current situation," the foreign ministry said in a notice issued today (16 June).

All Bangladeshi citizens living in Iran and their relatives in Bangladesh can directly contact the following mobile phone numbers (including WhatsApp) of the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in case of emergency:

Bangladesh Embassy, ​​Tehran- Hotline: +989908577368 and +989122065745

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka- Hotline: +8801712012847

Earlier today, the Bangladeshi embassy in Lebanon's Beirut has asked Bangladeshis living there to exercise caution in their movements.

"In the special situation arising in the Middle East, expatriate Bangladeshi citizens living in Lebanon are requested to exercise caution in their movements. They are requested not to go out, especially at night, unless it is an emergency," the embassy said in an alert issued today.

"Everyone is requested to follow the warning message issued by the local authorities in Lebanon," it added.

The embassy further said that in case of special needs, expatriates are requested to contact the following numbers of the embassy: Front Desk- 71217131, Hotline: 70635278 or Helpline Number- 81744207.

The warnings come against the backdrop of the escalating conflict between two of the Middle East's major powers.

Israel today declared that it now holds "aerial superiority" over Tehran, stating it has established control of the airspace stretching from western Iran to the nation's capital.

The announcement came after a fresh wave of missile strikes from Iran caused massive destruction across Tel Aviv and central Israel, as the intensifying conflict entered its fourth day. The attacks have left several urban areas in ruins and crippled vital services.

In Tel Aviv, residential buildings have been flattened, with entire blocks reduced to rubble. Public infrastructure, including roads, electricity lines, and communication towers, has sustained extensive damage. Fires erupted in multiple neighbourhoods following direct hits, further complicating rescue efforts.

Neighbouring cities such as Petah Tikvah have also suffered significant damage. Emergency services are overwhelmed as teams continue to pull victims from collapsed buildings, with dozens feared trapped. Hospitals in the affected areas are operating beyond capacity, as injured civilians flood in.

Power outages and water supply disruptions have left thousands without basic services. Authorities have urged residents to remain near shelters and brace for further attacks amid fears of a sustained assault.

The destruction marks a dangerous escalation. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued fresh threats, warning that Tehran's civilians "will pay the price – and soon."

In retaliation for Israeli strikes on Tehran that killed over 220 people – including high-ranking IRGC officials and dozens of women and children – Iran launched ballistic missiles targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing at least eight and injuring many more.