Prime Minister Tarique Rahman took updates on the condition of Bangladeshi expatriates in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries amid the ongoing war in the region.
He sought the information when Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman met him at the Secretariat this morning. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir was also present.
According to Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, the Prime Minister inquired about the safety of Bangladeshis in Middle Eastern countries in light of the situation in Iran and issued necessary directives.
The meeting also discussed the cancellation of many Middle East-bound flights due to the conflict.
Ruman said the Prime Minister is closely monitoring arrangements for passengers stranded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Following his directives, the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister and the State Minister have been working on the issue, with the State Minister present at the airport since morning.
Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury is also working full-time to manage the situation.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister arrived at his office at the Secretariat at 9:10 am. Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu met him at 10:00 am.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister discussed post-earthquake disaster management and directed authorities to prepare an action plan to handle emergency situations. Later, Minister Asadul Habib Dulu told reporters that the Prime Minister has ordered the formation of 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka to deal with post-earthquake disasters.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood also met the Prime Minister later in the day.