Bangladesh Puts Citizens First Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Monday reaffirmed that Bangladesh’s top priority remains the safety and welfare of its citizens.

Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after an inter-ministerial meeting, he said Bangladesh does not support war or conflict and believes dialogue and diplomacy are the only paths to peace.

“If our citizens are affected, we will stand firmly beside them. Our greatest national interest is our people. We hope no Bangladeshi will lose life or suffer injury,” he said, adding that the government is seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis as soon as possible.

The foreign minister said steps are being taken to ensure that Bangladeshi nationals stranded in the region can travel safely to their workplaces once flight operations resume.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said the government is in close contact with the families of two Bangladeshi nationals who lost their lives in the violence. She added that preparations are underway to repatriate their bodies once the situation stabilises.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said the government reviewed all relevant issues in detail and remains fully committed to protecting Bangladeshi citizens abroad. He also urged all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic solutions.

The meeting was attended by Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare Md Nurul Hoque, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and representatives of Biman Bangladesh Airlines and other concerned agencies.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two Bangladeshi nationals have been killed and seven others injured in missile and drone attacks across different Middle Eastern countries.

In the United Arab Emirates, Saleh Ahmed, a Bangladeshi from Baralekha in Sylhet, was killed in Ajman after debris from an aerial attack struck a civilian installation. The Bangladesh Embassy in the UAE is coordinating with local authorities to repatriate his remains once commercial flights resume.

In Bahrain, one Bangladeshi national was killed and three others were injured. The Bangladesh Mission in Manama is in contact with local authorities regarding the incident.

In Kuwait, four Bangladeshi nationals were injured in a drone attack near the civilian airport. They are receiving medical care and are reported to be in stable condition. The Bangladesh Embassy in Kuwait is maintaining regular contact, and the ambassador has visited them at the hospital.

Separately, a vessel of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, Banglar Joyjatra, is currently stranded at Jebel Ali Port in the UAE. The embassy is in close communication with the ship’s captain, and all crew members are safe.

The government of Bangladesh reiterated its deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and said it is closely monitoring developments to respond as needed.