Remittances may be impacted by Middle East war: Expat Welfare Minister

The ongoing war in the Middle East may impact Bangladesh's remittance inflows, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has expressed concern. He said while some impact is natural given the unstable situation, the government has taken various initiatives for expatriates.

He made these remarks while responding to journalists' questions after a law and order committee meeting at the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner's office on Sunday, March 8.

The minister said, "Remittances may be somewhat impacted due to the war in the Middle East. However, the government has taken various initiatives for remittance warriors, the benefits of which will be visible very soon."

Regarding the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East, he informed that the government is prioritising their safety. If necessary, logistical support, medical care, and arrangements to bring them back home if the situation deteriorates will be made.

He further said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare have jointly formed a monitoring cell. The situation is being observed daily.

The minister informed that so far, news of three Bangladeshis' deaths in the Middle East conflict has been received. Efforts are underway to bring their bodies back home, and communication is being maintained with their families.

Regarding reopening closed labour markets abroad, he said this is currently not possible in the Middle East due to the war. Therefore, efforts are underway to increase employment opportunities in alternative markets in Eastern countries. Although work pace has slowed somewhat due to Ramadan and the war situation, he expressed hope it will increase from next month.

The minister further stated that if the war between the US, Israel and Iran prolongs, a fuel crisis may emerge. Therefore, he called upon all to be economical in fuel and electricity usage at both government and private levels to tackle potential crises.

Earlier, during the law and order committee meeting, the minister expressed concern over recent increases in mugging and teenage gang activities in Sylhet. He instructed police to increase plainclothes patrols ahead of Eid, strengthen intelligence surveillance, and enhance CCTV monitoring in markets and crowded areas.

The meeting, chaired by Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam, was attended by Member of Parliament from Sylhet-6 Emran Ahmed Chowdhury and senior administration officials.