The government’s highest priority is ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi citizens amidst the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, according to Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman.
Speaking to journalists after an inter-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, he said, “Bangladesh’s position is very clear. Protecting the interests of our citizens residing in that region is our foremost priority.”
He also stated that the government is working firmly to ensure the security of Bangladeshi citizens living and working in various countries of the Middle East.
The minister said, “Our citizens, whichever side of the border they are on, if they are affected, we will stand by them. Our highest national interest is our people.”
He informed that the government has been considering the welfare of expatriate Bangladeshis with utmost importance since the beginning of the crisis.
He mentioned that he received telephone calls from the foreign ministers of Kuwait and Bahrain and the foreign minister of Qatar in the context of the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
The foreign minister stated that the discussions emphasised ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi citizens residing in the respective countries, and they provided assurances regarding the security of Bangladeshi nationals.
Expressing hope that no more Bangladeshis would fall victim to the conflict, Khalilur Rahman said that the government is prepared to take all necessary measures should any undesirable situation arise.
Stating that war or conflict never brings a solution, he said, “A peaceful solution through dialogue and diplomacy is possible quickly.”
Regarding potential migrant workers temporarily stranded in the current situation, he said necessary discussions have taken place, and arrangements will be made for their travel once the airspace normalizes.
This inter-ministerial meeting was held to review the evolving situation in the Middle East and its impacts, particularly regarding aviation, expatriate welfare, and regional security.
Present at the meeting were Foreign State Minister Shama Obaed Islam and the Prime Minister’s Adviser Humayun Kabir (who holds the status of State Minister for the Ministries of Foreign Affairs; Disaster Management and Relief; and Civil Aviation and Tourism).
Additionally, Minister for Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister Md. Nurul Haque, and Civil Aviation and Tourism State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat were present at the meeting.
