Two Bangladeshi nationals have so far been killed in the escalating conflict in the Middle East following the joint United States and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks, officials say.
The latest victim, Saleh Ahmed from Barlekha in Sylhet was killed on Monday in an aerial strike on a civilian facility in Ajman in the United Arab Emirates.
A day earlier, on Sunday, Mohammad Tarek from Sandwip in Chattogram, was killed while on duty at a shipyard in Bahrain. He was a resident of the Azimpur Pahar area of the upazila.
According to reports, he was critically injured by debris from intercepted missile in the early hours of the morning local time and died at the scene. Two more Bangladeshi were injured in the incident.
The deaths have heightened concerns over the safety and livelihoods of Bangladeshi migrant workers across the region. If the conflict persists, analysts warn, it could severely disrupt employment for large numbers of Bangladeshis living in the Middle East.
Government data show that nearly 60 per cent of Bangladesh’s overseas workers are employed in Middle Eastern countries, which account for about 50 per cent of the country’s total remittance inflows.
Officials fear that a prolonged war could force many workers and small business owners to return home unemployed, potentially creating significant economic strain for Bangladesh.
Millions of Bangladeshi migrant workers across the Middle East face growing uncertainty as the regional conflict intensifies.
Data from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training show that more than 2.5 million Bangladeshis work in Saudi Arabia, while over 1.2 million are employed in the United Arab Emirates.
Around 180,000 Bangladeshis live in Kuwait, more than 450,000 in Qatar, about 188,000 in Oman and nearly 200,000 in Bahrain. Significant numbers are also employed in Iraq and other countries across the region.
According to Bangladesh Bank, 49 per cent of the country’s total remittance inflows originate from eight Middle Eastern nations. Six of the top ten remittance-sending countries are in the region: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.
Embassies keeping close contacts
In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that, in addition to the two Bangladeshis killed, seven others were injured in missile and drone attacks across different parts of the Middle East.
Those injured include Aminul Islam from Nabiganj in Brahmanbaria, Rabiul Islam from Santhia in Pabna, Masudur Rahman from Begumganj in Noakhali, and Dulal Mia from Chandina in Cumilla. They were wounded in a drone strike near a civilian airport in Kuwait.
The ministry said the Bangladesh Embassy in the United Arab Emirates is in close contact with local authorities and is arranging necessary assistance to repatriate the bodies once commercial flights resume.
It added that the Bangladesh mission in Manama, Bahrain, is also maintaining communication with local authorities regarding the injured Bangladeshis.
Officials say those injured in recent attacks have received necessary medical treatment and are now in a stable condition. The Bangladesh Embassy in Kuwait is maintaining regular contact with them, and the ambassador has personally visited the hospital to check on their condition.
Govt closely monitoring
The government has reiterated its deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and said it is closely monitoring developments.
Ensuring the safety and security of more than six million Bangladeshis living in the region remains the government’s highest priority, officials say. Bangladesh missions in the affected countries have been instructed to advise citizens to remain vigilant and strictly follow directives issued by host governments.
Meanwhile, a vessel of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, Banglar Joyjatra, remains stranded at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. Embassy officials are in close contact with the ship’s captain, and all crew members are reported to be safe.
With airspace closures and flight suspensions across the Gulf, an estimated 300,000 people are believed to be stranded. According to Al Jazeera, the United Kingdom has deployed special teams to assist with the evacuation of its nationals.
Flight-tracking data indicate that more than 3,400 flights were cancelled in the first few days of the conflict.
Major regional hubs, including Dubai International Airport, Sharjah International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport and Doha’s Hamad International Airport, have suspended operations. In total, six to seven key airports across the region are currently closed.
