Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. File Photo

DHAKA, Mar 1, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken updates on the condition of Bangladeshi expatriates in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries amid the ongoing war in the region.

The premier inquired about the Bangladeshi nationals in the Middle East 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 at the meeting. 

"The Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs met the Prime Minister this morning. During this meeting, in the wake of events in Iran, the Prime Minister inquired about the condition of Bangladeshis in Middle Eastern countries and gave necessary directives," said Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

Various issues were discussed at the meeting, particularly in light of the cancellation of many Middle East-bound flights due to the ongoing situation, he added.

The additional press secretary also said that the Prime Minister is closely monitoring how stranded passengers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport are being looked after.

"Following the Prime Minister's directives, the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister and the State Minister are working on the matter. The State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism has been staying at the airport since morning," Ruman said.

Besides, he said, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has also been engaged full-time in addressing the situation.

Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived at his office at the Secretariat at 9:10 am while as per the day's schedule, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu met the Prime Minister at 10am.

During the meeting, Ruman said, Tarique Rahman talked about the post-earthquake disaster management and directed to prepare an action plan to address post-earthquake emergencies.

After the meeting, Asadul Habib Dulu told reporters that the Prime Minister has directed the formation of one lakh volunteers in Dhaka to deal with post-earthquake disaster.
Later, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood also met the Prime Minister.