An evening flight originally scheduled to depart from Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram to Dhaka at 8:30 pm on March 12 faced a significant delay of over three hours. The delay was due to the late departure of the incoming flight from Dubai, impacting the operations of the US-Bangla Airlines domestic flight. Passengers had to wait for the delayed departure.
Upon boarding, interactions with fellow passengers revealed a mix of emotions among those arriving from Dubai. While some expressed frustration over the delay, many were just relieved to be back home. Conversations highlighted concerns about the evolving situation in the Gulf region amid the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran.
One traveler, Mohammad Yasin from Cumilla, shared his experience of returning home after six years, describing the situation in Dubai as a mix of positive and negative aspects. He mentioned Dubai’s success in intercepting most incoming missiles but also noted heightened anxiety among Bangladeshi migrants in the UAE.
Another passenger, Moinul Hossain, observed increased apprehension among European and American expatriates in Dubai, leading to some leaving the country. Bangladeshi migrants also expressed worries and the circulation of various stories and rumors among the community.
Despite the interest in sharing their experiences, passengers politely declined to provide video statements, citing restrictions on discussing the war, especially on social media platforms, in Arab countries. They mentioned strict advice against posting any war-related content online to avoid potential detentions.
The ongoing conflict not only raised concerns about safety but also amplified uncertainties regarding livelihoods for the approximately five million Bangladeshi migrant workers in the Middle East. Flight disruptions due to airspace closures in various countries have led to numerous flight cancellations, affecting those planning to migrate or return to work.
The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has initiated support measures for migrants facing visa expiration due to flight disruptions. With a significant portion of Bangladeshi migrants working in sectors vulnerable to project slowdowns, preparations are essential to address potential challenges arising from the conflict.
Remittances from migrant workers play a crucial role in Bangladesh’s economy, with concerns arising about potential impacts on remittance flows due to the conflict. While uncertainties loom, past trends suggest migrants may increase remittance transfers during crises to support their families.
Looking ahead, post-conflict opportunities such as reconstruction projects could offer new employment prospects for workers. Diversifying labor markets beyond the Middle East, especially in Europe and Japan, presents promising avenues for future employment, albeit requiring enhanced language skills and technical training.
Amidst safety concerns following missile attacks linked to the conflict, Bangladeshi embassies in the Middle East have advised migrants to prioritize safety, avoid unnecessary outings, and refrain from sharing war-related content on social media.
Reflecting on the essential contributions of migrant workers to the nation’s economy and development, there is a call to reciprocate support during crises. As the conflict unfolds, the safety and well-being of millions of Bangladeshi migrants living abroad remain a top priority.
Shariful Hasan, BRAC’s associate director of the Migration Programme and Youth Platform, shared these observations, emphasizing the need for awareness and support for migrant workers during challenging times.
