Mushfiqur stranded at Jeddah airport amid conflict, seeks prayers

Bangladesh national cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim had travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. He was scheduled to return home today.

Due to the ongoing conflict, multiple international airlines, including Biman Bangladesh Airlines, have temporarily suspended flights operating through the region's airspace. Amidst this volatile situation, Bangladesh's wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has become stranded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, while returning home after completing Umrah.

Mushfiqur himself confirmed the news in a post on his verified Facebook page. He had gone to Mecca a few days ago to perform Umrah. After completing all formalities, he was scheduled to return to Bangladesh on Saturday via an Emirates Airlines flight (EK 0806) through Dubai. However, due to the ongoing war situation involving the US, Israel and Iran, the flight was forced to turn back mid-route and return to Jeddah.

Currently stationed at Jeddah airport, Mushfiqur wrote in his Facebook post, "Assalamu Alaikum everyone. Alhamdulillah, after completing all Hajj formalities, I was supposed to return to Bangladesh today via Emirates Airlines through Dubai. But unfortunately, due to the ongoing war situation, the flight returned to Jeddah."

Expressing concern about returning home, he further wrote, "I am now at Jeddah airport. Thousands of passengers are stranded with me. Almighty Allah alone knows when and how we will be able to travel to Bangladesh and other destinations, especially the Bangladeshi passengers heading to Dhaka."

The cricketer also wrote, "The Almighty Allah knows best when and how we will return to Dhaka. I seek prayers from everyone."