PM keeps eyes on Bangladeshis in Middle East
Staff Reporter :
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sought a comprehensive update on the condition of Bangladeshis residing in the Middle East following the outbreak of war triggered by a reported joint United States-Israel strike on Iran.
He also issued strict directives to ensure proper care for passengers stranded at the airport due to widespread flight cancellations.
The instructions were given on Sunday morning, during a meeting at the Secretariat with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir.
The Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary, Atikur Rahman Ruman, briefed journalists after the meeting.
According to Ruman, the Prime Minister discussed in detail the impact of recent developments in Iran and sought updates on the situation of Bangladeshis across Middle Eastern countries.
He provided necessary guidance to ensure their safety.
“The Prime Minister wanted to know thoroughly about the condition of Bangladeshis in Middle Eastern countries in light of the events in Iran and gave necessary instructions to guarantee their security,” Ruman said.
The escalating conflict has led to the cancellation of numerous flights to and from Middle Eastern destinations, disrupting travel plans and leaving many passengers stranded.
Ruman said the evolving situation and the government’s response were discussed during the meeting.
The Prime Minister is maintaining close oversight of the arrangements for passengers stranded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
“In line with his instructions, the Minister and State Minister for Civil Aviation are working to manage the situation.
The State Minister has been present at the airport since this morning to assist passengers,” he said.
The Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare is also continuously supervising the matter to ensure that affected travellers receive necessary support.
Earlier in the morning, the Prime Minister arrived at his office at the Secretariat at 9:10am.
As part of his scheduled engagements, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu also met him.
With tensions spreading across the region, Bangladesh is closely monitoring the safety of its large expatriate community in the Middle East, where hundreds of thousands of nationals are employed.
The government has prioritised their security while coordinating with relevant ministries and overseas missions.
Officials indicated that the Prime Minister’s directives centre on two immediate priorities: safeguarding Bangladeshis abroad and ensuring that those affected by flight disruptions do not suffer undue hardship at home.
The situation remains fluid as hostilities in the Middle East continue to evolve, raising concerns over regional stability, air travel and the broader humanitarian impact.
