Bangladeshi expat killed in UAE strike identified

The Bangladeshi expatriate, who killed in a reported missile strike in the United Arab Emirates, has been identified, according to local and international media reports.

The deceased, Saleh Ahmed, hailed from Gaziteka area of Barlekha upazila in Moulvibazar. He had been living and working in Ajman province of the UAE.

UAE-based newspaper Gulf News reported that three people were killed in an Iranian missile attack in the Emirates, including one Bangladeshi national. The other two victims were identified as a Nepali and a Pakistani citizen.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday (February 28) in Ajman.

According to family sources, Saleh had gone out after iftar to deliver emergency food and beverages along with a colleague when a bright object was seen in the sky, followed by a loud explosion that shook the surrounding area.

Witnesses said he was found critically injured at the scene with severe wounds across his body. Civil Defense personnel and police quickly arrived, secured the area and transported him to a hospital by ambulance.

His death was confirmed on the morning of March 1.

However, there has been no formal statement from UAE authorities confirming the identity of the victims, and the body has not yet been handed over to the family.

Saleh Ahmed had been working abroad for many years and was the sole breadwinner of his family. He is survived by his mother, wife, three sons and a daughter.

His cousin, Mahbub Alam Chowdhury, said the family was informed of his death Saturday evening but the exact cause remains unclear. The family has called on authorities to expedite the repatriation of the body to Bangladesh.

The incident has sparked grief among relatives and the Bangladeshi expatriate community.