Bangladeshi Nationals Relive Harrowing Evacuations Amidst Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon
Bangladeshi nationals in Lebanon have been forced to evacuate due to Israeli airstrikes, experiencing harrowing conditions. Morium Begum and her compatriots recount the dangers they faced, with many leaving behind their homes and belongings. The death toll from the conflict has risen significantly, exacerbating the already precarious situation for migrant workers, who often lack proper documentation. Personal accounts illustrate the trauma and urgency of their escape as they seek safety in the chaos of war.
In the wake of escalating Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, Bangladeshi nationals have been compelled to evacuate under harrowing circumstances. Morium Begum, a mother of two and a housekeeper in the southern city of Nabatieh, recounted the treacherous conditions when she and other Bangladeshis began their escape to Saida, approximately 30 kilometers away. “There were huge explosions everywhere and continuous bombing around me,” she shared. The dire situation forced her to flee without any personal belongings, leaving behind her home and possessions. Approximately 120 Bangladeshi nationals have been evacuated from Lebanon recently, as safety deteriorated amidst relentless bombings that have caused significant loss of life. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that over 2,600 fatalities have occurred due to the hostilities, alongside more than 12,200 injuries, many affecting civilian infrastructure. Shila Khatun, also a domestic worker from Banabiteh, described her own narrow escape as her workplace was destroyed. “I would have been dead if I stayed there for two or three days more,” she remarked. However, refuge in Saida does not equate to safety, as Khatun experienced firsthand when a bomb detonated alarmingly close to her shelter. “It was like hell on earth. For a few minutes I couldn’t see or hear anything. Words can’t describe the horror. At one point, I lost all hope,” she recounted. The situation for the Bangladeshi community is exacerbated by the closure of airports and documentation challenges. Mohammad Uzzal, another evacuee who worked in Nabatieh, highlighted the community’s attempts to find safety amidst panic. He expressed gratitude for his employer’s support in retrieving his passport and providing funds upon his arrival at the shelter. “Every moment, I prayed to Allah to grant me a few days more on this earth to look after my children,” Uzzal stated, expressing relief at having survived the ordeal. The humanitarian crisis remains critical, with between 70,000 and 100,000 Bangladeshi nationals residing in Lebanon, many in precarious situations and lacking proper documentation for repatriation.
The article discusses the plight of Bangladeshi nationals caught in the violent conflict in Lebanon, particularly in the context of recent Israeli airstrikes that have led to a significant humanitarian crisis. Many Bangladeshi workers, who have been living abroad for years, now find themselves in perilous circumstances, prompting a mass evacuation effort. The escalating violence in the region has not only resulted in civilian casualties but has also complicated the evacuation process due to logistical challenges and lack of proper documentation among the foreign workers. The article highlights personal accounts from evacuees, illustrating the dangers they face and their emotional responses as they seek refuge.
In conclusion, the ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon have precipitated a dire humanitarian crisis, compelling many Bangladeshi nationals to evacuate in haste. Personal testimonies highlight the chaos and fear experienced by those affected, as well as the challenges faced in securing safety amidst violence. While the repatriation efforts continue, the need for support and protection for vulnerable migrants remains urgent, as the situation in Lebanon evolves.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
