Two Bangladeshi workers were killed on Monday at around 12 noon local time in an Israeli drone strike in the Zebdine area of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon. The Bangladesh Embassy in Beirut confirmed the deaths.
The deceased were identified as Shafiqul Islam, 48, son of Afsar Ali from Bhaluka Chandpur village in Satkhira Sadar upazila, and Md Nahidul Islam Nahid, 22, son of Md Abdul Kader from Kadakati village in Assasuni upazila.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Shafiqul Islam’s mother Ajoyea Khatun said, “Shafiqul was the eldest and only earning member of the family. His three sisters are married. He went to Lebanon on February 25 this year. Nahid also went with him. In Zebdine, Nahid worked as a shepherd while Shafiqul worked in a bakery. On Monday afternoon, fearing a possible Israeli attack in the area, the two were travelling by van to a safer place. They were killed on the spot in the drone strike. We were informed of their deaths in the evening.”
Shafiqul’s father Afsar Ali said, “Shafiqul had borrowed Tk 8 lakh from different people to go abroad. After going to Lebanon, he sent Tk 40,000 about a month ago. He has two daughters. Now that we have lost our only earning son, what will happen to us? How will we repay such a huge debt?”
Nahidul Islam’s mother Nurunnahar told Dhaka Tribune, “Nahid and Shafiqul went to Lebanon at the same time. Nahid was the elder of two brothers. His younger brother Nafiz is 12 years old. Nahid became acquainted with Shafiqul while studying Higher Secondary science at Dargahpur College in Assasuni. Later, both of them went to Lebanon with borrowed money. They worked in the same area in Lebanon and died together as well. We have been informed that their bodies are being kept at Nabih Berri Hospital in Nabatieh.”
Nahid’s aunt Rozina Khatun said, “Nahid had taken a loan of Tk 5 lakh before going abroad. He managed to send money home for only one month and could not repay any of the debt. We are deeply worried about how his family will repay such a large amount.”
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Bishnupada Pal told Dhaka Tribune, “The concerned Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) has been sent to the area to look into the matter. If the families submit applications, arrangements will be made through the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare to bring the bodies back home.”