Amid the ongoing war situation in the Middle East, the government’s “number one priority” is to ensure the safety of outbound and expatriate Bangladeshi nationals, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed has said.
She added that inter-ministerial coordination is underway to assist stranded passengers, resolve visa-related complications, and monitor the overall security of Bangladeshis residing abroad.
She made the remarks while speaking to journalists following an inter-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
The state minister said the meeting was convened to ensure support for citizens who were unable to travel to various destinations due to the conflict or who became stranded en route, as well as to monitor the security and overall situation of Bangladeshi nationals residing in Gulf countries.
She noted that the relevant ministries are working directly at airports to ensure passengers’ safety and, where necessary, to arrange hotel accommodation.
The government is regularly reviewing updates on the evolving situation, she added.
Shama Obaed said the meeting aimed to ensure that passengers facing the risk of visa expiry or those requiring urgent travel receive necessary assistance from airlines and do not suffer undue hardship.
“All ministries are working together in coordination. Our number one priority is to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi nationals,” she said.
She further stated that although many were scheduled to travel to countries including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safe stay of those who are currently unable to travel. Given the prevailing uncertainty, it is not yet possible to confirm when normal travel operations will resume. However, preparations have been made to ensure that once travel resumes, passengers can report to designated points without facing complications.
Responding to a question, the state minister said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already issued two statements regarding the ongoing situation and will issue further statements if necessary.
She also said that two people had been killed in recent violence—one a Rohingya individual and the other a Bangladeshi national. Their families have been contacted, and arrangements will be made to bring the bodies back to Bangladesh once the situation stabilizes.