CHATTOGRAM, Mar 7: The relatives and the family members of the Chattogram expatriates working in the different Middle eastern countries are now living in severe mental agony regarding the war involving US-Israel and Iran.
Two expatriates of Chattogram district have already been killed and several injured in missile and Drone attacks in the Middle east countries during the last 8 days.
First victim of the tragedy is 48-year-old Abul Mohsin Tarek who was killed in Manama after debris from an intercepted drone hits him during an Iranian missile attack. His family in Chattogram mourns the loss of a devoted husband and father, while officials work to repatriate his body. AM Tareq (48), a resident of Azimpur Union in Sandwip Upazila, Chattogram. Tareq had lived in Bahrain for 27 years and was the sole breadwinner for his family.
Tareq was working as a labourer at a shipyard in the Salman Industrial Area near Manama. Early Monday morning, debris from an intercepted Iranian missile fell onto a foreign vessel undergoing maintenance, triggering a massive fire. Tareq was killed at the scene.
Besides, two more Bangladeshis, identified as Md Azim (also from Sandwip) and Md Kamrul (from Tangail), sustained serious injuries and are currently being treated at the Royal Bahrain Hospital.
This follows the death of another Bangladeshi national in the UAE on Thursday bringing the confirmed death toll of our expatriates to two. In Kuwait, four more Bangladeshis were injured during drone strikes at the international airport.
The second victim is identified as 28 years old Muhammad Jahed Hussain. Jahed is the son of Kamaluddin of 9 number ward of Sandwip Pourashava. He was working in a desert garden situated at Kuwait.
Chattogram expatriates are a significant part of the Bangladeshi workforce in the Middle East, with many residing in countries like the UAE. They contribute heavily through remittances and investment, with some recognized as Commercially Important Persons (CIPs). The government prioritizes their safety during regional crises.
Potential migrants from Chattogram pay, on average, around BDT 250,000-265,000 to move to the Middle East, with many following regular, registered pathways.
Expatriates from the region are involved in trade and investment. Recently, 34 expatriates from Chattogram were named CIPs for their contribution to the national economy.
Over one million Chattogram expatriates have been working in UAE, KSA, Iraq, Iran and other Middle eastern countries.
Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, the Bangladesh government has expressed deep concern for the safety of its citizens in the region, including those from Chattogram. Earlier the Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said Bangladesh's foremost priority amid the ongoing Middle East crisis is to protect its citizens residing in the region and safeguard their interests under all circumstances.
