The escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has claimed the lives of two Bangladeshi nationals and left seven others injured in different parts of the Middle East, intensifying anxiety among expatriate communities and their families back home.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday that the government of Bangladesh is “deeply saddened” by the casualties and is closely monitoring the evolving situation.
In the United Arab Emirates, Saleh Ahmed, a Bangladeshi national from Baralekha in Sylhet, was killed in Ajman after being struck by debris resulting from an aerial attack on a civilian installation.
Family members said Saleh had been working in the UAE for several years.
He was critically injured during the strike and later declared dead.
His wife and children in Bangladesh are now grieving his sudden death.
The Bangladesh Embassy in the UAE is in close contact with local authorities and is facilitating the repatriation of his remains once commercial flights resume, the ministry said.
In Bahrain, another Bangladeshi national was killed in a separate attack.
Three other Bangladeshis were injured in the same incident.
The Bangladesh Mission in Manama is maintaining communication with local authorities regarding the matter.
Injuries reported in Kuwait
In Kuwait, four Bangladeshi nationals sustained injuries following a drone strike near a civilian airport.
The injured are Aminul Islam from Nabinagar in Brahmanbaria, Rabiul Islam from Sathia in Pabna, Masudur Rahman from Begumganj in Noakhali, and Dulal Miah from Chandina in Comilla.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they have received medical treatment and are currently in stable condition.
The Bangladesh Ambassador in Kuwait personally visited them at the hospital, and the embassy remains in regular contact.
Separately, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation vessel Banglar Joyjatra is currently stranded at Jebel Ali Port in the UAE due to the security situation.
The embassy is maintaining close communication with the vessel’s captain, and all crew members are reported to be safe.
Anxiety rises in migrant-reliant homes
The deaths and injuries have heightened fears among Bangladeshi expatriates across the Gulf and their families in Bangladesh, particularly in districts heavily dependent on overseas employment.
In Barguna, where remittances form the backbone of the local economy, families say they are living in constant anxiety.
Beauty Begum of Badrakhali village in Barguna Sadar lives in a modest tin-roofed home with her disabled child.
Her husband, Miraj Mir, migrated to Saudi Arabia two years ago to support the family.
“Sometimes I get his call, sometimes I don’t. I don’t know how he is. It’s very difficult with my child,” she said.
Her son’s treatment and daily expenses rely entirely on remittances from abroad.
Forkan Akon, also from Badrakhali, has been working as a driver in Kuwait for nearly two years.
He recently told his family that attacks had taken place near his area, though he assured them he was safe.
“He says he’s fine, but who knows what will happen next? No matter what he says, my heart doesn’t believe it,” said his wife, Laiju Begum.
Seventy-two-year-old Altaf Hossain Khan said he has been unable to reach his son Mamun Khan, an imam in Qatar, for two days.
“I try calling but can’t reach him. I pray Allah keeps him safe,” he said.
According to the Barguna District Employment and Manpower Office, 80,063 people from the district are currently working abroad -- 70,055 men and 10,008 women.
Their earnings sustain household expenses, education and healthcare costs.
With airspace closures, missile strikes and drone attacks affecting parts of the Gulf, many families now fear disruptions to employment and remittance flows.
The government has reiterated its deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
Diplomatic missions in the affected countries have been instructed to remain in close contact with Bangladeshi nationals and provide necessary assistance.
