Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury. File Photo

DHAKA, Mar 20, 2026 (BSS)- Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury today said the government will always stand by the expatriates amid the ongoing war situation in the Middle East.

“We have always been beside our expatriates during wartime, we are with them now and will continue to support them in the future,” he said while briefing the journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after receiving the body of Mosharraf Hossain, who was killed in a missile strike in Saudi Arabia. 

The minister said the government will provide all due financial assistance to the victim’s family as per rules. 

He also announced that the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare will bear the educational expenses of the deceased’s two kids. Additional financial support will be provided to the family as needed, he added. 

During the handover of the body, the minister provided a cheque for Taka 50,000 to the family for funeral expenses. 

He also said that an additional grant of Taka 300,000 will be given after Eid from the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board. 

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan who was also present at the airport at that time said the government will extend all possible financial assistance to the bereaved family. 

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obayed Islam said the government is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates in countries affected by the ongoing conflict. “Our missions abroad are actively maintaining communication with expatriates to ensure their safety,” she said. 

The government is prepared to bring back Bangladeshi nationals who wish to return home, she said, adding that Bangladesh hopes for a swift end to the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue.” 

According to officials, Mosharraf Hossain was killed in a missile strike launched from Iran in the Al-Kharj area of Saudi Arabia. His body was flown from Riyadh on a Saudi Airlines flight and arrived in Dhaka at 10:45 am today. 

Mosharraf Hossain hailed from Kirtankhola village in Sakhipur upazila of Tangail. His father’s name is Surujat Ali. 

Senior officials from the ministries of expatriates’ welfare and foreign affairs, as well as other government agencies, were present at the airport on the occasion.