A Bangladeshi expatriate has been killed in an Iranian missile strike in Iraq amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The deceased, identified as Hobi Mia, 37, was a resident of Bakultala village under Adhara union of Munshiganj Sadar upazila. He was the son of Noli Mia Paik and had been living in Iraq for the past 10 years in pursuit of a better life.
Confirming the death, cousin Kadir Gazi said Hobi Mia sustained severe injuries to both legs and chest in an Iranian missile strike targeting US forces in Iraq three days ago.
He was declared dead by doctors after being taken to hospital in critical condition.
The victim’s wife, Khadija Akter Nitu, stated that she last spoke with her husband on Friday, 13 March. After losing contact for several days, she was informed of his death by his colleagues in Iraq on Tuesday night.
“My husband was killed in a bombing during the conflict,” Khadija said, while appealing to the government for the swift repatriation of his body. Hobi Mia leaves behind two daughters, Alisha, 14, and Habiba, 10, both of whom have been left devastated by their father’s untimely death.
Confirming the incident, Kartick Chandra Debnath, Assistant Director (Additional Charge) of the Munshiganj District Manpower and Employment Office, said the authorities are investigating the matter.
“All necessary arrangements are being made in coordination with the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment to bring the body back to the country,” he added, noting that Hobi Mia had been employed in various roles during his decade-long stay in Iraq.
