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Published : 20 Mar 2026, 07:51 PM
“We were living in peace. Now it feels like a major danger could strike at any time. Even on Eid day, we are praying for the war to stop.”
The words came from Nurul Amin, a Bangladeshi expatriate in Bahrain, who said sirens, fear of attacks and rumours on social media kept him awake through Chand Raat, the night before Eid.
Nurul, from Brahmanbaria, has been working as a cleaning supervisor in Bahrain for several years.
Like him, around 150,000 Bangladeshis in the Gulf country are gripped by varying levels of anxiety. Even on Friday’s Eid, their day is marked by unease.
Abdul Malek from Sylhet, a driver in Bahrain, joined Eid prayers on Friday morning in light rain. But the sense of fear followed him there.
“We’ve seen tensions before, but this time feels different,” Malek told bdnews24.com.
“Chand Raat was frightening, and even on Eid day, people are hurrying home. It feels like something big could happen.”
The Iran war with the United States and Israel has entered its 21st day. With US military presence in the Gulf, countries like Bahrain have been drawn into the broader conflict dynamics.
Though not a direct battlefield, instability around it, uncertainty in airspace, and security concerns have shaken expatriates’ sense of safety.
Many workplaces have temporarily shut down, while others report reduced work, deepening financial uncertainty. The festive spirit of Eid is largely absent.
In the morning, people attended Eid prayers at mosques despite drizzling rain.
The main congregation was held at 6:10am local time, where worshippers prayed for peace and prosperity.
Jahidul Islam, a construction worker from Cumilla, said: “We don’t want war, but work has stopped for days. Money is running low, and I’m worried about my family back home. There’s no joy this Eid.”
Rakib Hossain, a supermarket salesman from Narsingdi, added: “Nights are the worst. Family calls and cries, asking me to return. But flights are irregular. Even on Eid, it feels like we are trapped.”
Shaheen Alam from Chattogram, who works in a Manama restaurant, said: “Customers have dropped. Even during Ramadan and Eid, business is down. The owner is worried about paying rent and bills.”
Electrician Sohel Rana from Madaripur said: “I watch the news every day and feel afraid. My family wants me back, but leaving everything behind is not easy. There’s no peace, even on Eid.”
Mazharul Islam Babu, a community leader in Bahrain, said no one has a clear idea of what lies ahead.
“We are all living in fear and uncertainty. However, the Bahrain government is supporting expatriates alongside citizens with shelters and assistance.”
He urged expatriates to avoid rumours and rely on credible information.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Bahrain Mohammad Rais Hasan Sarowar also extended Eid greetings, saying the embassy remains in constant contact with local authorities.
“Expatriates are advised to stay alert but not panic. Our hotline remains open for emergencies.”
