Bangladeshi nationals have borne the deadly consequences of the escalating regional conflict, with two killed and four others critically injured in a Houthi attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, on Saturday.
The attack also disrupted flights between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, leaving passengers uncertain about their travel plans.
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) reported 12 deaths and 309 injuries.
Bangladesh has condemned the attack, while its diplomatic mission in Riyadh is coordinating with Saudi authorities to assist the victims and their families.
The deceased were identified as Md Shahed Ahmed, son of Md Rafiqul Islam of Madla village in Shahjahanpur, Bogura, and Md Nasrullah Badrpuri, son of Mawlana Mohammad Ullah of Badrpur village in Nangalkot, Cumilla.
“Two Bangladeshis have been killed and four others are receiving intensive care following the attack,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told journalists on Sunday.
The four injured Bangladeshis are being treated in the intensive care unit of King Khalid Hospital.
The government is working with Saudi authorities to contact their families and arrange the return of the deceased to Bangladesh.
“We are deeply saddened by the deaths. We pray to Almighty Allah for the deceased and hope that we will not receive any further distressing news,” Shama said.
She said the government would bear the costs of repatriating the bodies and completing the necessary formalities.
A 45-member group of teachers and students from Jamia Arabia Rabiul Ulum madrasa in Keraniganj, Dhaka, was at the airport on Saturday night to collect boarding passes for an Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah when the attack occurred.
Around nine members of the group were seriously injured, including one whose leg was severed, said Mufti Khorshed, proprietor of Al Makka Travels, which arranged the pilgrimage.
Mufti Fazle Bin Muktar, principal of the madrasa, said the group comprised mainly teachers, along with several students and local residents.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attack and called for an immediate end to hostilities.
“Attacks endangering civilian lives and targeting civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must cease immediately,” it said.
Bangladesh expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and a peaceful resolution of the regional crisis through dialogue and diplomacy.
Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain also expressed deep sorrow and indignation over the attack, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s special religious significance for Muslims worldwide.
Meanwhile, Biman Bangladesh Airlines suspended its five scheduled Dhaka-Riyadh-Dhaka flights until further notice, citing security concerns and operational difficulties.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) said five flights from Dhaka had been cancelled by Sunday morning, including Biman’s BG339 service and flights operated by Saudi airlines.
The affected services included Saudia flights SV804, SV805, SV806, SV807, RX763 and RX764.
Shama said the foreign ministry was coordinating with civil aviation authorities, while Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions in Riyadh and Jeddah were in contact with Saudi officials to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi citizens and aircraft.
The disruptions have affected migrant workers, expatriate Bangladeshis and Umrah pilgrims travelling between the two countries.
Biman has advised affected passengers to contact its call centre or nearest sales office for assistance.
According to GACA, the 12 fatalities included four Saudi citizens and eight foreign nationals: two Bangladeshis and one each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.
The 309 injured were receiving treatment at several hospitals, with some in critical condition. Authorities were assessing property damage.
Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a senior Houthi official, claimed responsibility for the attack, Reuters reported.
He reportedly said it was retaliation for Saudi military operations in Yemen and alleged that civilian infrastructure had also been targeted in those operations.
Flight-tracking website Flightradar24 reported widespread disruption to Riyadh-bound air traffic, with flights cancelled or diverted.
Its data showed 155 arriving and 161 departing flights cancelled on Friday, while 222 flights were delayed on arrival or departure.
Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission in Riyadh continues to coordinate with Saudi authorities to establish the full extent of the casualties and provide assistance to affected citizens.
Dhaka has urged all parties to end attacks on civilians and pursue a diplomatic solution to restore regional peace and stability.