Efforts underway to bring back BD expats from Mozambique
Staff Reporter :
Amid escalating violence in Mozambique that threatens the safety and security of expatriates, including Bangladeshi nationals, the Interim Government has initiated steps to bring back Bangladeshi citizens stranded in the country.
The Director General (Africa) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, BM Jamal Hossain, addressed journalists on Wednesday, outlining the government’s plans to repatriate affected Bangladeshi expatriates.
He stated that Bangladeshis facing life-threatening situations due to the violence would be relocated to neighbouring Malawi by road before being flown back to Bangladesh.
“We have taken measures to bring them home. Those who wish to return will be transported to Malawi by road and then evacuated by air,” he said.
The Director General added that the ministry is in contact with Bangladeshi expatriates in Mozambique, many of whom have expressed their wish to return home due to the ongoing unrest.
“For irregular Bangladeshis, we will issue travel passes. An online application must be submitted for repatriation. Based on the number of applicants, the government will take appropriate steps,” he explained.
Sources have reported widespread looting of shops and businesses amid the violence. Many residents are abandoning their homes in search of safe shelter to avoid attacks.
As Bangladesh does not have an embassy in Mozambique, the Bangladesh Mission in South Africa is coordinating efforts to maintain communication with expatriates in the affected areas.
The Foreign Ministry has yet to confirm any casualties among Bangladeshi nationals. However, reports indicate that shops and business enterprises owned by Bangladeshis have been vandalised and looted. Currently, approximately 10,000 Bangladeshis reside in Mozambique.
The unrest erupted following a Supreme Court verdict on 9 October, which upheld ruling Frelimo party candidate Daniel Chapo as the winner of the disputed presidential election. Chapo secured 65% of the votes, defeating Venancio Mondlane, who garnered 24%.
Mozambique’s Interior Minister, Pascoal Ronda, attributed the violence and looting to youthful supporters of the losing candidate. More than 130 people have reportedly been killed since the violence began.
The ongoing conflict has left the lives of Bangladeshi expatriates in limbo. These expatriates are considered a vital source of foreign currency for Bangladesh’s reserves, which have shown signs of recovery after hitting a low during the previous Awami League government.
Until the situation stabilises in Mozambique, the government remains committed to ensuring the safe return of Bangladeshi citizens wishing to leave the conflict zone.
