[🇧🇩] Iran, US- Israel War: It's Impact On Bangladesh

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State Minister Shama Obaed voices concern, hopes for peace in West Asia

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in West Asia/Middle East, and hoped for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region. She made the remarks when Dr Wisam Hussein Ali Al Ithawi, Chargé d’Affaires of

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

State Minister Shama Obaed voices concern, hopes for peace in West Asia

UNB

Published :
May 11, 2026 00:27
Updated :
May 11, 2026 00:27

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in West Asia/Middle East, and hoped for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region.

She made the remarks when Dr Wisam Hussein Ali Al Ithawi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Iraq in Dhaka, paid a courtesy call on her at the Foreign Ministry.

The state minister appreciated the Government of Iraq for hosting Bangladeshi nationals and ensuring their welfare and safety.

She also conveyed appreciation to the Iraqi leadership and government for congratulating the BNP-led government following its victory in the 13th parliamentary election. Shama Obaed recalled with gratitude Iraq’s recognition of Bangladesh in 1972 as the first Arab country to do so.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation, manpower, trade and regional issues.

They also explored ways to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation in sectors including pharmaceuticals, leather goods, ready-made garments, ceramics and agro-products.

The state minister thanked Iraq for supporting Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Bangladesh-Iraq relations and cooperation at bilateral and multilateral forums.​

 

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Labour migration drops by 50pc due to ME war: RMMRU

Overseas jobs decreased by 50 per cent in March 2026 compared with the same period past year amid conflicts across the Gulf states, the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit, a non-governmental organisation, said on Wednesday...

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Labour migration drops by 50pc due to ME war: RMMRU
Staff Correspondent 13 May, 2026, 23:51

Overseas jobs decreased by 50 per cent in March 2026 compared with the same period past year amid conflicts across the Gulf states, the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit, a non-governmental organisation, said on Wednesday.

At a press conference at the National Press Club in the capital Dhaka, the RMMRU also said that the migrant workers staying in the Gulf countries were facing uncertainty over their jobs and safety due to the war on Iran.Maps

RMMRU founding chair Tasneem Siddiqui urged the government special initiatives to safeguard migrant workers during the war.

‘There should be a separate line in the government budget to support expatriate workers in wartime situations. There needs to be a specific fund or budget structure, which would be state-run, to ensure rapid assistance in such crises,’ she said.

RMMRU research fellow Mohammad Jalal Uddin Sikder, also associate professor at North South University, read out the written statement in which he placed short-, mid- and long-term recommendations.

The recommendations included special migrant crisis response cells at Bangladeshi embassies in GCC countries, along with 24/7 Bangla-language hotlines, emergency food, shelter and mental health support for stranded workers, crisis alert systems in Bangla via WhatsApp and SMS and diversification of Bangladesh’s overseas labour markets beyond the Gulf in the long term.Cultural Event Listings

The RMMRU said that prolonged conflict could trigger widespread instability in the Gulf labour market, threatening employment opportunities for lakhs of Bangladeshi workers.

An estimated 70 lakh Bangladeshi migrant workers are staying in the Middle East countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Lebanon.

‘The number of overseas job clearances from Bangladesh declined by 50 per cent in March compared with the same period past year,’ the RMMRU said quoting Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training data.

At least 10 Bangladeshi migrants have so far died and over 35 have been injured in the war that began on February 28 with the United States and Israel launching attacks on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on the US bases across the Arab Gulf states.

The RMMRU said that the war had already disrupted business and economic activities across the Gulf areas.

‘The uncertainty could affect Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 mega projects which were expected to generate long-term jobs for Bangladeshi workers in construction and services,’ according to the RMMRU.

The RMMRU also expressed concern over the possible expansion of the conflict to the UAE, noting that its involvement alongside the US and Israel could expose it to retaliatory attacks from Iran, which could put the lives and livelihoods of nearly two million Bangladeshis in the UAE at risk.

The RMMRU criticised the government for lacking a comprehensive crisis response mechanism, saying there was no dedicated emergency fund for migrant workers affected by the war, including those who lost jobs, were injured or forced to return home.

The RMMRU also raised concern over domestic workers, describing them as among the most isolated and vulnerable migrant groups, often outside emergency communication networks.​