Bangladeshis in Tehran at risk, relocation begins: Foreign secy
The government has expressed deep concern over the safety of around 400 Bangladeshis currently residing in Tehran, following recent Israeli attacks in the Iranian capital.
“We are in contact with around 100 Bangladeshis in Tehran and have already started providing them with financial assistance to facilitate their relocation to safer areas outside the capital,” said acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique at a press briefing at the foreign ministry in Dhaka on Tuesda.
During the briefing, he briefed journalists on the security status of Bangladeshi nationals in Iran amid escalating tensions in the region.
According to the acting foreign secretary, more than 2,000 Bangladeshis live across Iran, including approximately 400 in Tehran, among whom are officials and staff members of the Bangladesh Embassy.
Siddique said the government remains particularly concerned about the safety of embassy officials and other Bangladeshi stationed in Tehran.
“You are already aware that the Bangla department of Radio Tehran came under Israeli attack yesterday. At least eight Bangladeshi journalists were inside the office at the time of the attack, but fortunately, all of them are safe,” he informed.
The acting foreign secretary noted that the Bangladesh ambassador in Tehran has already vacated his official residence and relocated to a comparatively safer location.
Around 40 officials of the Bangladesh mission and their family members are currently based in Tehran.
“We have advised all Bangladeshi nationals in the capital to move to safer areas. The relocation process is underway despite significant logistical and financial challenges,” Siddique said.
He highlighted the complications in evacuating citizens from Iran due to sanctions that hamper financial transactions through formal banking channels.
“Transferring money is extremely difficult, but we are exploring alternative solutions to support our nationals,” he added.
The acting foreign secretary also pointed out that evacuation via land borders is not considered safe at this moment while flight operation has been suspended in Iran.
He said the foreign ministry is monitoring developments closely and remains in constant communication with the Bangladesh Embassy in Tehran to ensure the safety and well-being of all Bangladeshi nationals in Iran.
Among 2000 Bangladeshis in Iran, significant numbers are permanent residences there as they got married to Iranian girls, according to the acting foreign secretary.
Some Bangladeshis are living in coastal zone as fishing is their livelihood. All of them do not have legal documents to stay in Iran, he said.
The acting foreign secretary said that some undocumented Bangladeshis are in the detention centre.
