State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque today spoke to journalists after a meeting with heads of various district administration offices at the Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner's office. Photo : BSS

PATUAKHALI, March 01, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque today expressed concern over the safety of Bangladeshi nationals living in the Middle East in the wake of the recent Iran-related attacks.

"We are concerned about our large expatriate community working across the Middle East following the Iran incident. However, I was reassured that our Prime Minister had already realised the gravity of the matter and instructed us accordingly," he said.

The state minister was speaking to journalists after a meeting with heads of various district administration offices at the Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner's office here this afternoon.

He said the Prime Minister had directed the authorities concerned to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi citizens in affected countries. The immediate priority, he added, is to assist nationals in impacted areas in finding safe shelter and remaining alert.

"So far, we have not received any reports of major casualties among our citizens. However, four Bangladeshis were injured in a drone attack at Kuwait airport. In Dubai, there was a missile-related incident at the residence of our chief consultant, though he remains unharmed," the state minister said.

Md Nurul Haque, who is also the state minister for Labour and Employment, further noted that several Middle East-bound flights were suspended the previous night. "Under the Prime Minister's instructions, we arranged accommodation for around 850 passengers whose flights were cancelled," he said.