Staff Reporter :
At least three Bangladeshi citizens living in Beirut have reportedly been injured amid ongoing severe airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the capital. The attacks have been escalating for over a week.
While the Bangladesh Embassy in Beirut did not disclose the identities of the injured, two of them are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
“We have confirmed that three individuals have been injured due to the ongoing attacks in Beirut and southeastern Lebanon. They have received medical care.
Two are in the hospital, and one is recovering at home,” said Mohammad Anwar Hossain, the First Secretary and head of the Bangladeshi embassy in Beirut.
In light of the escalating violence, the Bangladeshi ambassador has urged expatriates in Lebanon to seek safe shelter and contact the embassy’s helpline or hotline for assistance.
In a video message, he outlined various safety guidelines for expatriates.
“In this dire war situation, we are gathering information about those who have left their workplaces and residences to find safer places, and we are working to provide assistance from the embassy as resources allow.
I urge those seeking safe shelter to contact the embassy’s helpline and hotline as soon as possible,” said Ambassador Air Vice Marshal Javed Tanveer Khan.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladeshi embassy, approximately 2,000 Bangladeshis are currently residing in Beirut. Efforts are underway to relocate them to safer areas following recent airstrikes. Embassy officials and their families have also been moved to secure locations.
A source from the embassy indicated that Bangladeshis in areas under Israeli attack are being relocated with the help of both the embassy and the local Bangladeshi community. Around 1,500 to 2,000 Bangladeshis have already been moved to safer areas.
On Sunday, Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin held a meeting with the West Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomats from Middle Eastern countries.
Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Air Vice Marshal Javed Tanveer Khan, participated virtually, providing updates on the situation in Lebanon, the status of Bangladeshi citizens, and the activities of the embassy.
During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of embassy personnel and advised the ambassador to remain vigilant.
Discussions also focused on the potential evacuation of Bangladeshi citizens if the situation worsens. However, no decision has been made yet regarding repatriation.
Should it be necessary, the Ministry will coordinate with relevant authorities.
Data from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET) indicate that 2,594 workers traveled to Lebanon on work visas in 2023. In the first seven months of this year, 4,225 individuals have already migrated to Lebanon.
Media reports suggest the situation in Lebanon is rapidly evolving, with Israeli airstrikes causing numerous casualties daily. The Bangladesh Embassy has set up dedicated contact lines for assistance: the front desk can be reached at 71217139, the hotline at 70635278, and the helpline at 81744207. Expatriates can also contact the embassy via email at [email protected].