PM seeks updates on Bangladeshi expatriates amid ongoing Middle East war linked to Iran conflict

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has received updates on the condition of Bangladeshi expatriates living in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries amid the ongoing regional conflict.

The issue came up when Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman met the Prime Minister at the Secretariat this morning. The Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Humayun Kabir, was also present.

According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary, Atikur Rahman Ruman, the Foreign Minister and the foreign affairs adviser briefed the Prime Minister on the evolving situation in Iran. During the meeting, the Prime Minister sought detailed information about the safety and well-being of Bangladeshis in the Middle East and issued necessary instructions.

Ruman said the discussion also covered the cancellation of numerous Middle East-bound flights due to the prevailing situation.

He added that the Prime Minister is closely overseeing arrangements for passengers stranded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Following his directives, the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister and the State Minister have been actively addressing the issue, with the State Minister remaining at the airport since morning.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury is also working full-time to manage the situation, Ruman said.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister arrived at his office at the Secretariat at 9:10am. As per schedule, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu met him at 10:00am.

During that meeting, the Prime Minister discussed post-earthquake disaster management and instructed officials to prepare an action plan to tackle potential emergencies. Briefing reporters afterward, Asadul Habib Dulu said the Prime Minister directed authorities to form 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka to respond to post-earthquake situations.

Later, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood also met the Prime Minister.