The Jamaat chief says 86 flights from Dhaka to Saudi Arabia have been cancelled, affecting 13,490 passengers.
TBS Report
14 October, 2026, 08:30 pm
Last modified: 14 October, 2026, 08:36 pm
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has urged the government to take urgent measures to ensure that Bangladeshi migrant workers do not lose their jobs or face visa complications because of flight cancellations between Dhaka and Saudi Arabia.
In a Facebook post today (14 October), he called on the government to coordinate with Saudi authorities and airlines to ensure that workers are not disadvantaged by the cancellations.
According to his post, 86 flights from Dhaka to Saudi Arabia have been cancelled so far, including 36 direct flights and 50 transit flights, leaving 13,490 passengers facing disruption and uncertainty.
"Following the attack at Riyadh airport, restrictions and security concerns at Saudi airports have disrupted flights on the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia route. A total of 61 flights have been directly affected, with some cancelled and others suspended," he wrote
All flights from Dhaka to Riyadh have been suspended until 17 October, he added.
Shafiqur Rahman said the disruption had raised concerns among Bangladeshis planning to travel to Saudi Arabia, particularly migrant workers due to join their jobs.
"They [Bangladeshi migrant workers] may also face complications related to visa validity, recruitment conditions and Saudi Arabia's laws and regulations. This is not merely a travel inconvenience; it could directly affect the livelihoods and future of many families," he said.
The Jamaat chief urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and other relevant authorities to establish urgent diplomatic contact with their Saudi counterparts and airlines.
Where necessary, the government should coordinate with employers and relevant authorities to arrange reasonable extensions of deadlines and other assistance, he said.
He also urged the authorities to explore alternative routes and other safe airports in Saudi Arabia, subject to security assessments and approval from the relevant authorities, to help passengers reach their destinations.
Airlines should coordinate alternative flights, rebooking and other necessary travel assistance, while giving the highest priority to passenger safety, he said.