Envoy says no worry for Bangladeshis living in Iraq

Assuring Bangladesh nationals living in Iraq of providing all sorts of support, Bangladesh ambassador in Baghdad Abu Maksud M Forhad has urged them not to get worried and lose their mental strength.

In a video message, he said prime minister Sheikh Hasina is in touch and enquiring about their condition round the clock, reports UNB.

The ambassador also requested them to avoid gathering and rallies, and not to venture outside their residences and workplaces without necessity.

He said they will remain available round the clock for any support that may be required.

The video message was issued for Bangladesh nationals amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran following the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani near Baghdad airport on 3 January.

Over 200,000 Bangladesh nationals are believed to be living in Iraq.

On Friday, the Bangladesh embassy in Baghdad requested Bangladeshi expatriates in Iraq to stay alert and maintain caution considering the current security situation in the Middle-Eastern country.

The embassy will remain open 24/7 to extend consular services to the expatriates. Everyone has been requested to extend cooperation.

Between 2009 and November last year, 75,748 Bangladeshis went to Iraq for work, according to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).