Bangladeshi evacuees fleeing Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon recount horrifying experiences of danger and loss. Many return home without belongings after seeking refuge in Saida, where they receive minimal support. The death toll from ongoing attacks has exceeded 2,600 as challenges in repatriation persist for the large Bangladeshi community in Lebanon.
In the face of continual Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, Morium Begum, a Bangladeshi mother of two, recounts her harrowing escape from the southern town of Nabatieh. As bombs rained down around her, she described the chaos: “There were huge explosions everywhere and continuous bombing around me.” Together with fellow Bangladeshi nationals, she sought refuge in the city of Saida, where local NGOs and the Bangladeshi embassy have provided shelter for approximately 300 migrant workers. Having spent 14 years abroad, Begum returned home destitute, stating, “I am returning home empty-handed. Still, I am grateful to Allah for being able to return.” The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties, with the Lebanese Health Ministry reporting over 2,600 deaths and more than 12,200 injuries since early October. Shila Khatun, another evacuee who worked in the same area, highlighted the perilous situation, asserting that her place of employment was now destroyed and adding, “I would have been dead if I stayed there for two or three days more.” Tragically, upon her arrival at the Saida shelter, she endured a nearby bombing, describing the experience as “like hell on earth.” Among the Bangladeshi community, estimated to number between 70,000 and 100,000 in Lebanon, many lack formal documentation, complicating repatriation efforts. Mohammad Uzzal, a restaurant worker, expressed his relief at being reunited with his employer, who helped him secure his passport and finances. He reflected on his narrow escape by stating, “To me, this is like a second life.” Many Bangladeshi nationals continue to face dire circumstances, with hopes for safety hinging on uncertain evacuation processes and ongoing violence.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and militant groups in Lebanon has escalated sharply, resulting in significant civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis. The situation has been particularly dire for migrant workers, many of whom come from countries like Bangladesh, seeking better employment opportunities abroad but now find themselves caught in a war zone. As airstrikes and ground attacks intensify, the safety of these individuals is compromised, leaving them vulnerable and often without resources. The role of international embassies and local NGOs is crucial in providing shelter and support, but logistical challenges complicate evacuation and repatriation efforts.
The plight of Bangladeshi nationals in Lebanon amid the ongoing Israeli attacks underscores the fragility of migrant workers in conflict zones. Many individuals, such as Morium Begum, Shila Khatun, and Mohammad Uzzal, have had to leave everything behind in their desperate bids for safety. The humanitarian crisis has been marked by significant loss, yet the resilience and gratitude of those who have escaped encapsulate a humbling human spirit against the backdrop of war.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
