State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam has assured that the government will extend the visas of expatriate workers stranded in Bangladesh due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. She made the statement on Friday, April 3, while receiving the body of Bangladeshi worker S M Tarek, who died in Bahrain, at Shahjalal International Airport. The minister said that visa validity has already been extended by one month and will be further extended as needed for affected countries.

She added that efforts are underway through relevant embassies to ensure the safety of expatriate workers both in Bangladesh and abroad. Regarding the repatriation of deceased workers, she said that three of the six bodies have been brought back to Bangladesh, and efforts continue to return the remaining ones.

The minister also warned against illegal migration, noting that many lives have been lost due to human trafficking. She stated that the government is working to bring back those stranded abroad and to bring traffickers to justice.