Panic has gripped the migrant community in Doha following the recent escalating tension between Qatar and some of its Arab neighbours.
Feeling insecure about the supply of essentials, crowds of foreign nationals, including Bangladeshis, swamped the super malls of Doha, as the Gulf state largely relies on imports from its neighbours to meet its food demand.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and a few other Arab states have cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, alleging that the latter has destabilised the region.
Also Read- Arab states cut Qatar ties in major diplomatic crisis
The Bangladesh Embassy in Doha held a briefing on the current situation for its nationals at 5:30pm [Bangladesh time] on Tuesday, confirmed officials.
Imran Hasan, a staff of Safari Mall in Abu Hamour area, told the Bangla Tribune that people had flocked to the market to buy essentials, including rice and pulses, since news of the diplomatic rift hit the headlines on Monday.
Most were Indian nationals, while some Bangladeshi nationals also turned up, he added.
Babul Islam Bhuiyan, a Bangladeshi businessman in Qatar, said the sanction put in effect by the Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates-led alliance would not create a big impact on Qatar.
Also Read- Infographic: Arab nations cut ties with Qatar
“Traders have stocked an adequate number of essential items for Ramadan. But there is some uncertainty over perishable vegetables as 40% of the supply comes from Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Meanwhile, the migrants who went to their homelands on leave are facing difficulties returning to Qatar as Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai and Air Arabia airlines have suspended all their flights on this route.
Many who booked tickets earlier have been stuck at the airports since Monday.
Also Read- Muslim Asia caught in the middle as diplomatic row rocks Middle East
Bangladesh Ambassador Ashud Ahmed told the Bangla Tribune that Bangladesh has not taken any sides in the tension among the Gulf states, and Bangladeshis living there have nothing to worry about.
The embassy had already communicated with Bangladeshis and the overall situation would be briefed to them, he said.
Friday, June 05, 2026
