DT Desk: Thousands of foreign nationals, including a significant number of Bangladeshi workers and tourists, are stranded in the Middle East amid intense military clashes between Iran and the United States–Israel coalition. The situation is raising serious humanitarian concerns, with both safety risks and livelihood disruptions escalating rapidly.
Bangladeshi workers across various countries in the region have reported that fear of missile and drone strikes prevents them from leaving their residences. Hotels and accommodations are overcrowded, fuel, food, and water supplies are uncertain, and many are surviving with limited resources. Families back in Dhaka remain anxious, relying on daily phone calls and social media updates to track their loved ones.
Tourists are facing even greater challenges. Pre-booked flights and hotels are being cancelled, air travel is disrupted, and many are trapped without clear options. One stranded tourist said, *“We have no idea when we can return home. Every explosion or warning increases our fear.”*
The Bangladesh embassies and consulates have activated emergency hotlines. They are working to provide safe shelter, food, and medical assistance for stranded nationals. However, the intensity of the conflict and the ongoing war situation in the Middle East make it impossible to evacuate everyone quickly.
Experts stress that ensuring the humanitarian safety of Bangladeshi workers and tourists stranded in the Middle East is now urgent. In the long term, reassessing workplace safety measures and evacuation strategies is essential. Monitoring routines, implementing emergency protection measures, and planning rapid evacuation for workers near conflict zones are critical.
The crisis affects not only Bangladeshi citizens but also nationals of many Middle Eastern countries. As the conflict continues, concerns over the safety, lives, and livelihoods of foreign workers and tourists will persist.
Bangladeshi expatriate families are increasingly anxious. The government of Bangladesh is providing maximum assistance during this critical period. Minister of Expatriates’ Welfare, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, is personally overseeing the latest developments on the ground. The government has assured that support is available for stranded or returning citizens at Shahjalal International Airport.
