State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obayed Islam on Friday said that five Bangladeshis have been killed so far in the ongoing war situation in the Middle East.
She further said that considering the circumstances, expatriates are being brought back home from various countries, including Iran. More expatriates will return in phases.
The state minister made the remarks to reporters after receiving the body of Mosharraf Hossain, who was killed in an Iranian missile attack in Saudi Arabia.
After receiving the body at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday (March 20), she said: "We have lost five Bangladeshi brothers in the Middle East war so far. We are by their side. Ensuring the safety of expatriates in countries under war is the government's priority."
"Our missions are maintaining contact with the expatriates. We are trying to ensure they can stay safe. We hope this war situation ends soon. Bangladesh wants the problem to be solved through diplomacy and discussion."
On this day, 186 expatriates returned home from Iran. The state minister said: "More expatriates will be brought back in phases. We have prepared to bring back those who wish to return."
Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful Haque Chowdhury said: "Under the Prime Minister's direction, we are standing by the expatriates. Financial assistance will be provided to the families of those who died. Our ministry will take responsibility for the education of the two children of the deceased expatriate."
The minister also stated that the employment of expatriates returning home due to the war will be discussed after their return. Visas and employment will be ensured as needed.
The cost of sending the bodies of those killed in the Middle East conflict to their homes will be borne by the government. Additionally, the families of the deceased will receive Tk3.50 lakh, and an additional Tk10 lakh in financial assistance will be provided to those who hold BMET cards.