Dhaka, Oct 09, 2024 (BSS) - Bangladesh embassy in Lebanon has asked all stranded expatriate Bangladeshis, who wish to return home following escalation of violence in the region to register their names. 

The embassy has been working closely with all stakeholders to ensure their safety and timely transportation as the government is committed to bring back all of its nationals willing to return home, said a foreign ministry’s press release here today.

A preliminary reports revealed that approximately 1,000 migrant workers are eager to return home.  The Foreign Affairs and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment ministries are coordinating efforts to facilitate their safe return.

As part of the response,  Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has instructed Bangladesh’s ambassador to Lebanon to ensure the safe return of the Bangladeshi nationals. Additionally, measures are being taken to safeguard the welfare of those, who opt to stay in Lebanon, said the release. 

Earlier, the government at an inter-ministerial meeting held recently, laid out a framework for the repatriation of Bangladeshi nationals in Lebanon. Foreign Secretary, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary and the Managing Director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines attended the meeting, among others. 

Heads of Bangladesh’s missions in the Middle East joined the meeting via Zoom to ensure a cohesive approach across relevant diplomatic channels to this end, said the release. 

On Tuesday, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said that Dhaka had requested the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to arrange chartered flights to evacuate Bangladeshi expatriates stranded in Lebanon. 

“The challenge is that Beirut's airport is currently unsafe for flight operations. We have suggested finding an alternative location outside the war-zone for the evacuation of Bangladeshi nationals,” Touhid told the media. 

The violence in Lebanon intensified on September 23 when Israel launched its largest air strike in years targeting southern Lebanon. According to international media, over 1,300 targets have been hit, mostly in the southern region, marking the heaviest bombardment in recent times.

The conflict has claimed more than 2,080 lives and left nearly 9,870 wounded since Israel began its airstrikes last month.

Over 100,000 people have fled Lebanon for neighboring Syria following escalation of violence in the region.