Iranian missiles kill two Bangladeshis and wound several across Gulf
Iranian missile strikes since Friday have killed two Bangladeshi nationals and wounded several others across the Gulf, as aerial attacks in the war that began on Saturday put migrant communities at risk.
The Bangladeshi foreign ministry confirmed on Monday that its missions in the region were working to support workers in need of urgent medical care.
Officials confirmed that at least two workers had been killed in separate incidents, while several others were being treated in hospital for blast-related injuries.
In a statement, the ministry confirmed that Saleh Ahmed, a truck driver from the north-eastern region of Sylhet, died in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, after being struck by debris from an Iranian drone that fell onto civilian infrastructure.
The impact caused fragments to scatter across a nearby residential area, fatally injuring Ahmed.
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Officials said they were in contact with his family and coordinating with authorities in the UAE.
In Bahrain, Bangladeshi embassy officials confirmed that SM Tareq from the island of Sandwip died in the Salman Industrial Area after debris from an intercepted missile struck the area.
Two other Bangladeshis were wounded in the same incident and treated at a local hospital, embassy officials said.
In Kuwait, four Bangladeshi nationals sustained injuries following a drone attack near the country’s main airport. The Bangladeshi foreign ministry said all were receiving medical care and reported to be in a stable condition.
The ministry added that it plans to repatriate the bodies of those killed once commercial flights resume.
Six million Bangladeshi migrants
Thousands of Bangladeshi nationals remain stranded in Dhaka after commercial flights to several Middle Eastern destinations were halted amid the escalating conflict, leaving migrant workers unable to return to their jobs.
Bangladesh is one of the largest sources of migrant labour to the Gulf, with more than six million nationals living and working across the Middle East, primarily in construction, transport and domestic sectors.
In times of crisis, these workers are often among the most vulnerable due to crowded living conditions and proximity to industrial or strategic sites.
“The Government of Bangladesh reiterates its deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and continues to monitor developments closely,” a foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
“Safety and security of more than six million Bangladeshis living in the Middle East are the top-most concern of the Government.”
The foreign ministry said it had instructed its embassies across the region to remain on high alert and had opened a hotline for families seeking information. It added that it was coordinating with host governments to facilitate compensation claims where applicable.
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