Government has reiterated its commitment to support Bangladeshi expatriates affected by ongoing conflict in Middle East, after body of a migrant worker killed in a missile strike in Saudi Arabia was received in Dhaka on Friday.
Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said the government has always stood by expatriates during crises and would continue to do so in the future.
“We have always been with our expatriates during wartime situations in the Middle East. We remain by their side and will continue our support going forward,” he told reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The minister made the remarks after receiving the body of Mosharraf Hossain, who was killed in a missile strike in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Kharj area.
He said the government would provide all entitled financial assistance to the victim’s family in accordance with existing rules. The ministry will also bear the educational expenses of Mosharraf’s two children.
During the handover, the minister provided Tk50,000 to the family to cover burial expenses. He also announced that the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board would provide an additional Tk300,000 in financial assistance after Eid.
Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, who was present at the airport, said the government would ensure all possible support for the bereaved family.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam said the government remains actively engaged in ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi nationals in conflict-affected countries.
“The safety of our citizens is our top priority. Our missions abroad are working tirelessly to maintain communication with expatriates and ensure their security,” she said.
She added that Bangladesh hopes for a swift resolution to the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue. Responding to a query, she said the government is prepared to repatriate Bangladeshi nationals from affected countries depending on the situation.
Officials said the body of Mosharraf Hossain arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:45am on a Saudi Airlines flight (SV806) from Riyadh. He was killed in a missile strike reportedly launched from Iran in the Al-Kharj area.
Mosharraf Hossain, son of Suruj Ali, hailed from Kirtankhola village in Sakhipur upazila of Tangail district.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board, among others, were present at the airport during the reception.
