90 Bangladeshis return home from Iran
Diplomatic Correspondent :
The Interim Government of Bangladesh has successfully completed the repatriation of 90 Bangladeshi nationals from Iran through three separate phases, which concluded on Monday.
The latest group, consisting of 30 individuals, arrived in Dhaka early Monday morning, marking the final leg of the government-sponsored evacuation effort.
According to an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the third batch of evacuees landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 6am on Monday. The group was transported from Tehran via Mashhad and Sharjah before arriving in Bangladesh.
“This was the final repatriation flight funded by the government,” the official stated. “All those who expressed willingness and were eligible for return have now been brought back safely.”
The evacuation effort began earlier this month after the security situation in the region deteriorated, following intensifying hostilities between Iran and Israel that killed many people and damaged infrastructures on both sides.
Concerned about the safety of Bangladeshi citizens living and working in Iran-many of whom were students, workers, and visitors-the government took swift diplomatic and logistical measures to ensure their safe return.
The first phase of the evacuation was carried out on July 1, when 28 Bangladeshis were flown back to Dhaka from Tehran. This was followed by the second phase on July 8, which saw another 32 citizens repatriated. The third and final phase, completed on Monday, has brought the total number of repatriated Bangladeshis to 90.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Embassy in Tehran and other diplomatic channels, coordinated the effort with local authorities and airline services.
Officials confirmed that all returnees underwent necessary security checks and received assistance upon arrival in Dhaka, including temporary accommodation and medical evaluation if required.
“The safety of our citizens abroad remains a top priority of the government,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. “We acted promptly to ensure that those affected by the regional conflict were not left stranded.”
Repatriated individuals expressed their relief and gratitude upon returning home. Many shared stories of fear and uncertainty as tensions rose in Iran, including reports of air raid sirens and disruptions in public services.
“We were terrified and didn’t know what might happen next,” said one returnee. “Thanks to the government’s quick action, we are now safe at home.”
Officials noted that no Bangladeshi casualties or injuries have been reported in connection with the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.
However, the Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely and remains in contact with a small number of Bangladeshis who have chosen to stay in Iran for personal or professional reasons.
The government has advised all Bangladeshi citizens abroad to stay alert, follow local authority instructions, and remain in touch with Bangladesh embassies or consulates in their respective countries.
As tensions in the Middle East persist, Bangladesh joins several other countries in undertaking repatriation measures to safeguard their nationals from the fallout of the Iran-Israel conflict.