War hits Bangladeshis: Six killed in Gulf
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has confirmed that six Bangladeshi nationals have been killed in the ongoing Middle East conflict, with the bodies of three victims already repatriated to Bangladesh.
The government, she said, remains vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety and well-being of Bangladeshi expatriates, particularly remittance earners, affected by the regional instability.
Speaking to journalists after visiting Nagar Kanda Upazila Health Complex in Faridpur on Saturday afternoon, the State Minister said diplomatic efforts were underway to address visa-related complications faced by Bangladeshis due to the conflict.
The government is working with relevant countries to extend visas for affected expatriates. “Due to the current conflict, Bangladeshis seeking visas to the Middle East are facing challenges.
The government is actively engaging through diplomatic channels to facilitate visa extensions where necessary,” she said.
Shama Obaed Islam also stressed the need to curb criminal syndicates that exploit job seekers by promising overseas employment.
“These unscrupulous groups must be dealt with firmly, and the government is taking strong action against those involved in fraudulent recruitment and exploitation,” she added.
Local officials, including Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Md Kamrul Hasan Molla, Superintendent of Police Md Nazrul Islam and Civil Surgeon Dr Mahmudul Hasan, were present during her visit, along with other government representatives.
The State Minister later visited Nagar Kanda Technical Training Centre and Salta Upazila Health Complex as part of her inspection programme.
Referring to the Middle East crisis, she said the conflict, which intensified after the current BNP-led government assumed office, has had a significant impact on Bangladeshi expatriates working in the region.
She noted that the government is working to manage the economic consequences of the conflict, particularly in controlling inflation and stabilising the prices of essential commodities.
“The government is committed to maintaining economic stability during this difficult period and is working continuously to safeguard the interests of the people,” she said.
The State Minister also observed that global fuel prices have risen sharply due to the conflict, citing a reported 50 per cent increase in the United States, while Bangladesh has so far managed to maintain relatively stable fuel prices.
However, she acknowledged that long-term fuel price adjustments might become necessary, adding that any such decision would be taken cautiously to minimise the burden on citizens.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s longstanding ties with the Middle East, she said the country’s labour market in Saudi Arabia was first opened under the leadership of President Ziaur Rahman, and successive governments have maintained strong relations with Gulf nations to ensure the protection of expatriate workers.
“Strong diplomatic relations with Middle Eastern countries have helped safeguard the interests of our expatriates even during challenging times,” she said.
During her visit to Nagar Kanda Upazila Health Complex, the State Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of the facility, describing it as below standard and lacking essential equipment and adequate staffing.
She said steps should be taken to improve healthcare services at the facility and expressed hope that the situation would improve in the near future.
