Bangladesh vows to ensure safety of its citizens amid Middle East situation

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Monday said they will do everything for the Bangladeshis to ensure their welfare and safety of its citizens amid current situation in the Middle East.

Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said they have discussed all the issues in the inter-ministerial meeting held at the Ministry.

"They are our top most priority," said the Adviser, adding that the government is fully supportive of their welfare and protection.

Kobir said they want deescalation of the situation and urged all to choose the path of diplomacy.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, State Minister for Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Hoque, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, representatives from Biman Bangladesh Airlines and other departments were present at the meeting.

Two Bangladeshi nationals have lost their lives and seven others have sustained injuries due to missile and drone attacks in different parts of the Middle East.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared the updates on Monday, noting that the government of Bangladesh is "deeply saddened".

In the United Arab Emirates, Saleh Ahmed, a Bangladeshi national from Baralekha, Sylhet, lost his life in Ajman after being struck by debris resulting from an aerial attack on a civilian installation.

The Embassy of Bangladesh in the United Arab Emirates is in close contact with the local authorities regarding the matter and is extending necessary assistance to repatriate the mortal remains once commercial flights resume, said the Ministry.

It has been reported that one Bangladeshi national has been killed and three more have been injured in Bahrain.

Bangladesh Mission in Manama is in touch with the local authorities regarding the incident.

In the State of Kuwait, four Bangladeshi nationals, Aminul Islam from Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria; Rabiul Islam from Sathia, Pabna; Masudur Rahman from Begumganj, Noakhali; and Dulal Miah from Chandina, Cumilla, sustained injuries following a drone attack in the vicinity of the civilian airport.

They have received necessary medical treatment and are currently reported to be in stable condition.

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kuwait remains in regular contact with them and the Ambassador personally visited them at the hospital, said the Ministry.

Separately, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation vessel Banglar Joyjatra is currently stranded at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates.

The Embassy is maintaining close communication with the vessel's captain. All crew members are reported to be safe.

The government of Bangladesh reiterated its deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and continues to monitor developments closely.