📷 PMO

Newsman, Dhaka

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has placed Bangladesh’s diplomatic and disaster management apparatus on high alert as escalating conflict in the Middle East threatens the safety of millions of expatriate workers and disrupts global travel.

In a series of urgent high-level meetings at the Secretariat on Sunday (March 1), the Prime Minister coordinated a multi-agency response to the crisis centered on Iran and neighboring states, balancing international geopolitical concerns with critical domestic readiness.

The day began with an emergency briefing from Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir. During the session, the Prime Minister issued immediate directives to prioritize the well-being of Bangladeshi nationals currently residing in Iran and other regional flashpoints.

To provide direct support to those caught in the conflict zone, the government has launched a dedicated 24-hour emergency call center. Any expatriate facing difficulties is urged to contact the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment at +8809610102030 for immediate assistance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also released a formal statement expressing profound concern over recent military strikes and the subsequent danger to civilian populations.

Dhaka said it remains deeply concerned about the safety and security of Bangladeshi nationals residing in Iran in the wake of the attacks. The Ministry has called for an immediate return to diplomacy, urging all involved parties to exercise “maximum restraint” to preserve regional peace.

Notably, the government’s statement included a stern condemnation of the violation of sovereignty across several nations, including Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, warning that further escalation endangers global economic and social stability.

On the logistics front, the Prime Minister has deployed cabinet members to the front lines of the travel crisis. While the state minister for Civil Aviation remains stationed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to oversee passenger welfare, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has begun clearing the backlog of stranded travelers.

The national carrier confirmed that rescheduled flights to Madinah (BG 337) and Jeddah (BG 335), which were cancelled yesterday, are departing this afternoon and evening. Passengers have been advised to report to the airport immediately to complete formalities.

Beyond the international crisis, Prime Minister Rahman shifted focus to domestic resilience during a meeting with Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu.

Addressing the perennial threat of seismic activity, the premier ordered the creation of a specialized action plan for post-earthquake emergencies, featuring a landmark goal to mobilize and train 100,000 volunteers within Dhaka as first responders.

The day concluded with a strategic session with Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood to secure the nation’s fuel supply chain against Middle Eastern market volatility. As of Sunday evening, the Prime Minister continues to monitor both the regional war and domestic preparedness closely.