Govt vows continued support for expatriates amid Middle East conflict

Dhaka: Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stand beside Bangladeshi expatriates during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, saying the support will continue in the future.

“We have always stood by our expatriates during the war situation in the Middle East. We are beside them now, and we will continue to stand by them in the days ahead,” the minister said while briefing reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday, March 20.

The minister made the remarks after receiving the body of Mosharraf Hossain, a Bangladeshi migrant worker killed in a missile strike in Saudi Arabia. He said the government would provide all due assistance to the victim’s family, including financial support in accordance with existing rules.

Chowdhury also announced that the educational expenses of the deceased worker’s two children would be borne by the ministry. “Whatever support is necessary for the family will be ensured from the government’s side,” he added.

At the airport, the minister handed over a check of Tk 50,000 to the family to assist with burial expenses. He further said that an additional Tk 300,000 grant would be provided to the family by the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board after Eid.

Speaking at the briefing, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan said the government would extend all kinds of financial assistance to the bereaved family.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam also assured that the government is actively working to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi nationals in conflict-affected countries.

“Our missions abroad are fully engaged and maintaining close contact with expatriates to ensure their safety during the ongoing conflict,” she said, adding that safeguarding Bangladeshi citizens remains the government’s top priority.

She expressed hope for a quick resolution to the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue. Responding to a query, she said the government is ready to bring back expatriates wishing to return home, depending on the evolving situation.

According to officials, the body of Mosharraf Hossain arrived in Dhaka on Friday morning on a Saudi Airlines flight from Riyadh. He hailed from Kirtankhola village in Sakhipur upazila of Tangail.

Senior officials from the expatriates’ welfare and foreign ministries, along with representatives from relevant agencies, were present at the airport during the handover.

K