Mushfiqur stranded in Jeddah amid escalating Middle East conflict

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has been left stranded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, along with thousands of other passengers, following widespread flight cancellations sparked by the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Returning from Saudi Arabia after performing Umrah, Rahim was scheduled to fly back to Dhaka via Dubai. However, his Emirates flight was forced to turn back mid-journey due to severe airspace security risks. Sharing the ordeal on his verified Facebook page today, Rahim detailed the sudden disruption to his travel plans.

"Assalamu Alaikum. I came to Makkah a few days ago to perform Umrah," Rahim wrote.

"Alhamdulillah, after completing it, I was scheduled to return to Bangladesh today via Emirates. We took off from Jeddah for Dubai on flight EK0806 this morning. But unfortunately, due to the war involving the US, Israel, and Iran, all flights have returned to Jeddah," he added.

The cricketer expressed deep uncertainty about his return, noting that he is currently waiting at the Jeddah airport alongside thousands of fellow Bangladeshis and international travelers.

"Only Almighty Allah knows when and how we will be able to return to Dhaka with the other Bangladeshis. I request everyone's prayers," he added.

The massive aviation disruption stems from the recent Israeli strikes on Iran, which have triggered a region-wide security crisis.

In response to the growing threat and the possibility of retaliatory missile strikes, major international carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines, have either rerouted or temporarily suspended all flights to Middle Eastern destinations.    �"UNB