The Bangladesh government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) evacuated more than 570 Bangladeshi nationals who were marooned in Sudan since the clash between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began in mid-April.
The evacuations began on May 8 and continued until Friday, when 262 Bangladeshis in two separate flights arrived in Dhaka from Saudi Arabia.
Additional flights carrying more Bangladeshi nationals are anticipated.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via its missions in Sudan and Jeddah, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the IOM joined forces to evacuate the impacted Bangladeshis.
Kabir, a Bangladeshi national who returned from Sudan, said he travelled to Sudan as a migrant worker and was doing rather well before the crisis erupted.
“Since the clash between RSF and the Sudanese army started, our lives have been in danger. We struggled to fulfill even the most basic needs,” he recalled.
"I am grateful and relieved that the Bangladesh government and IOM arranged our return home," he added.
Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka TribuneThe 262 Bangladeshi nationals who arrived on Friday at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport were provided with warm meals, refreshments, and an onward travel allowance to facilitate their safe return to their places of origin.
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Senior Secretary Dr Ahmed Munirus Saleheen conveyed that their primary focus is to ease any difficulty the returnees face during this challenging period.
The senior secretary assured that the government and the IOM are committed to providing comprehensive financial support.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam underscored the government's commitment to the welfare of every Bangladeshi, irrespective of their location worldwide.
He recognized the invaluable support and expertise of the IOM, which has been crucial in safely repatriating their citizens from Sudan during these challenging times.
IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Abdusattor Esoev welcomed the returnees at the airport and said that it was a great collaboration with the Bangladesh government to bring back Bangladeshi nationals from Sudan.
He emphasized their primary focus on the individuals' safety and welfare and reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to collaborate with the government, striving to ensure a smooth and effective evacuation process.
IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Sarah Lou Ysmael Arriola, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Civil Aviation, and Airport Authority, were also present at the airport.