Bangladeshis in Iran are ‘safe’

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said Bangladeshi citizens currently in Iran remain safe despite ongoing strikes by the US and Israel.

She added that the government is prepared to evacuate anyone who feels insecure, reports bdnews24.com.

Speaking to reporters at the foreign ministry on Tuesday, Shama said: “There are about 2,000 Bangladeshis in Iran, including a significant number of students. According to information we have today, they are safe and not in any immediate danger.”

The state minister emphasised that the Bangladeshi mission in Tehran is maintaining 24-hour contact with the expatriate community.

“If a situation arises where there is a risk to life or security, our mission is working there, and we will bring them back,” she said. Calling for an immediate end to the conflict through diplomatic channels, Shama noted: “Bangladesh has repeatedly urged for the war to stop as soon as possible. We hope the chaos and instability prevailing globally can be resolved through diplomacy.”

She described the safety of Bangladeshi nationals in the Middle East as the “most important issue”, noting that missions are operating around the clock to monitor the situation.

Shama highlighted that the government is already facilitating the return of those who wish to leave.
“We are taking immediate action for any citizen expressing interest in returning to Bangladesh. As part of this effort, we successfully brought back 186 people from Tehran with the help of the IOM on the night before Eid-ul-Fitr,” she added.
Acknowledging that many workers have professional obligations that make leaving difficult, she clarified that the door remains open for those who feel vulnerable.
“For those who want to return safely, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Biman, and Civil Aviation are working together. We will arrange chartered flights to bring them back if necessary,” she said.