Escalating hostilities involving Iran, United States and Israel have triggered widespread instability across the Middle East, fueling anxiety among millions of Bangladeshi expatriates and their families back home.
The conflict, which intensified following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has rapidly spread beyond the initial flashpoints. In response to US-Israeli strikes on Tehran, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and several neighboring countries. The involvement of Hezbollah has further expanded the conflict, drawing Lebanon into direct confrontation.
Within three days of the outbreak, hostilities reportedly extended to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Iraq and even Cyprus. Reports indicate that at least two Bangladeshi expatriates have been killed in the violence.
The security situation has deteriorated sharply, with drone strikes reported near the US Embassy in Riyadh, located just minutes away from the Bangladesh Embassy. The ongoing attacks have placed the region’s security infrastructure under severe strain.
Flight Disruptions Deepen CrisisAir travel between Dhaka and several Middle Eastern destinations has been severely disrupted. Authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport confirmed that dozens of flights were canceled within days of the escalation. Since Saturday, nearly 150 flights have reportedly been suspended due to airspace closures and heightened security risks.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced the suspension of services on six major Middle Eastern routes, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Dammam, Doha and Kuwait, until at least March 5. Although flights to Riyadh and Jeddah remain operational, uncertainty persists.
Many expatriate workers who traveled to Bangladesh on leave are now stranded, unable to return to their workplaces. Several fear losing their jobs as visa deadlines approach. “My joining date is March 5, but my flight was canceled,” said Anwar, a Saudi-based worker stuck in Dhaka. “I don’t know if my company will accept the delay.”
The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has urged affected workers to contact its 24-hour hotline (16135) for assistance regarding visa complications and travel disruptions.
Families at Home in Distress
An estimated five to six million Bangladeshis work across the Middle East, with more than half based in Saudi Arabia alone. The conflict has left both expatriates and their families in Bangladesh deeply worried.
Monirul Haque, a Bangladeshi worker in Riyadh, said the situation remained tense. “After the reported attack near the US Embassy, fear has spread everywhere. We are calling home every hour. Our families are asking us to return, but flights are suspended.”
Officials say the government has formed a special cell to coordinate with Bangladeshi missions abroad and address visa-related issues for workers unable to return on time. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also stated that ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi nationals abroad remains its top priority.
As the conflict shows no immediate sign of de-escalation, uncertainty continues to loom over millions of expatriate workers whose livelihoods depend on stability in the Gulf region.
