Four Bangladeshis have been killed since the outbreak of the Iran–Israel conflict, State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque told media here today.

Of the four, one each was killed in Bahrain and Dubai and two in Saudi Arabia.

“We have contacted the families of the Bangladeshis killed in Saudi Arabia and conveyed condolences and assurances of support on behalf of the honorable prime minister,” he said. 

Haque added that arrangements are also underway to return the bodies of the deceased to their families. 

He revealed this after receiving the body of Ahmed Ali, a Bangladeshi national from Barlekha upazila of Moulvibazar district who was killed in Dubai, at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) along with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam.      

Haque said flights have remained suspended since the beginning of the Middle East crisis and noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had instructed all concerned to work in coordination to address the situation, including ensuring accommodation and necessary assistance for stranded passengers.

According to available information, several injured Bangladeshis are receiving necessary support and assistance from Bangladeshi missions in the respective countries.

The state minister urged Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East to avoid conflict-prone areas and refrain from posting any content on social media that could violate the laws of host countries.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said the safety of Bangladeshi citizens remains the government’s top priority and the authorities are making all possible efforts to stand beside them.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Dr Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan, Director General of the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan and other officials were present.