Published : 01 Mar 2026, 07:21 PM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 03:25 PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sought detailed updates on the condition of Bangladeshis in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries as conflict in the region disrupts air travel and raises security concerns.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and the PM's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir met him at the Secretariat on Sunday morning to brief him on the situation, according to Tarique's Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Ruman.
“The prime minister enquired about the condition of Bangladeshis in Middle Eastern countries in light of developments in Iran and provided necessary directives,” Ruman said.
The developments come amid heightened regional tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory actions across parts of the Gulf.
The meeting also discussed the cancellation of several Middle East-bound flights and its impact on passengers.
Ruman said the prime minister was closely monitoring arrangements for travellers stranded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
“Following his directives, the civil aviation minister and state minister are working on the matter. The state minister has been at the airport since morning,” he said, adding that the expatriate welfare minister was also engaged in overseeing the situation.
The prime minister arrived at his office at 9:10am and held a series of meetings throughout the day.
Later, Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu met him to discuss earthquake preparedness and response following Friday’s tremor.
Ruman said the prime minister had instructed authorities to prepare a comprehensive action plan to address post-earthquake risks.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Dulu said the prime minister had directed officials to form a pool of 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka to assist in emergency response efforts.
The power and energy minister also met the prime minister later in the day, the press aide added.
