State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam reaffirmed on Friday that the safety and security of Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East remain the government’s "top priority" amid escalating regional tensions.

Speaking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the State Minister emphasized that the government is working tirelessly to monitor the well-being of its citizens.

The briefing took place after she received the coffin of Mosharraf Hossain, a Bangladeshi expatriate killed in a missile strike in Saudi Arabia on March 8.

The attack, which occurred in the Al-Twaiq area near Al-Kharij shortly before Iftar, claimed three lives, including Mosharraf’s. To date, five Bangladeshi nationals have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

Minister Shama Obaed stated that Bangladeshi missions across the Middle East are in constant contact with the community to provide necessary support.

Addressing the possibility of a mass return, she confirmed that the government is prepared to facilitate repatriation in phases if the situation evolves. "All relevant ministries are on standby to bring back those who wish to return," she added.

On the diplomatic front, Bangladesh has officially urged all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling for an immediate end to the violence through diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.

Reaffirming Bangladesh's consistent stance in favor of global peace and stability, the State Minister called upon the international community to intensify efforts to restore calm and facilitate dialogue.

The government maintains that conflict offers no lasting solution and that only diplomatic engagement can resolve the current disputes.