"I work all day. At night, I go to sleep, and that’s when the bombing starts. It feels like the whole area turns into a living hell, with cries echoing everywhere. I hear the deafening explosions of bombs. Ever since the attacks began, I haven't had a proper night's sleep, as the anxiety and the sound of explosions keep me awake."
Sahid Hossain, a Bangladesh expatriate living in Hamra area of Beirut, Lebanon, broke up in tears while sharing his experience in the conflict-ridden Gulf nation.
Hailing from Comilla, he moved to Lebanon in September 2023, leaving his family behind in search of better job opportunities.
But Sahid is not alone.
Since the onset of Israel’s attacks in Lebanon, thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates have been enduring sleepless nights.
Many of them have expressed their wish to be brought back to safety in Bangladesh.
However, most of these expatriates, who left home after taking out loans, prefer to stay in Lebanon and continue working as long as they can remain safe.
Nevertheless, fear remains pervasive among them.
This correspondent spoke to at least ten Bangladeshi expatriates living in Lebanon.
One of them is Md Farhad, lives in the town of Semoun, near Beirut.
He said that since the attacks began, he and other Bangladeshis have been living in constant anxiety, with many struggling to find or retain work.
Farhad said: "Although there haven’t been any attacks in Semoun or nearby areas like Tripoli, Jounieh, and Aley yet, neighbouring towns are facing continuous destruction. Many Bangladeshis living in those towns have moved to safer locations; thousands have already lost their jobs."
Despite the worries, Farhad remains hopeful that this crisis will soon come to an end.
The Bangladesh government has already begun working to repatriate expatriates from Lebanon.
However, if the conflict continues, many like Farhad are calling for their safe return to Bangladesh.
Md Nizam Uddin, another Bangladeshi who has been living in the Ashtura area of the Zahle district in eastern Lebanon for over a decade, spoke of the situation there.
Although attacks have occurred in other parts of Zahle, Ashtura has remained unaffected so far.
Nizam said: "During the day, when I see black smoke in the sky, I know the bombings have started. The entire sky becomes shrouded in dark smoke. I am still able to work safely here but the situation is precarious and I ask for everyone’s prayers."
Another expatriate, wishing to remain anonymous, said: "We’ve noticed that areas where ordinary Lebanese citizens live are less likely to be attacked. However, areas known to have Hezbollah presence are targeted frequently. So, many Bangladeshis have a sense of where to stay to remain somewhat safe. We’re using various Facebook groups and pages to keep in touch and support each other during this difficult time."
Abdul Karim, president of the Bangladeshi Expatriate Workers Union in Lebanon, said: "I’ve lived in Lebanon for over two decades. I've never witnessed attacks like this before. Drones and planes fly over us constantly. A few days ago, there was an attack near my home, which left me terrified. Many Bangladeshis want to return home, but those who came here with loans are in a tough spot. They aren’t able to find work, nor can they send money back home. With so much debt, they are hesitant to return to Bangladesh. For those who wish to leave, the embassy has promised assistance."
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Israeli forces started attacking Gaza.
Following this, Israel has been conducting strikes along the Lebanese border.
On September 17, Israel launched airstrikes in Lebanon, and on September 30, ground forces crossed the southern border.
Airstrikes in Beirut and other parts of Lebanon have continued, creating a war-like situation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, is working to ensure the safe return of Bangladeshis stranded in Lebanon due to the conflict.
An inter-ministerial meeting, involving key officials and the Bangladesh Mission in Lebanon, has been held.
A notification has been issued for those wishing to return, with around a thousand expressing interest.
