Most of the Bangladeshi expatriates in Ukraine are not interested to return home despite the outbreak of war in the country.
Around 450 Bangladeshis left Ukraine through Poland, Romania and Moldova borders since the beginning of the war but among them only 45 have expressed their intentions to return home, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam on Monday.
He explained that the government is ready to make arrangements for the return of the expatriates but a sizable number is needed to get them back through a chartered plane.
But if anybody is interested to return home at their own initiative, Bangladesh Missions in Poland and Austria would provide them necessary assistance, the state minister said.
He mentioned that 65 Bangladeshis are staying in Poland under the arrangement of the Bangladesh Mission adding others went through their own arrangement.
According to the state minister over 700 Bangladeshi expatriates are in touch with the Bangladesh Mission in Poland through a ‘whatsapp’ messenger group.
Nearly 300 Bangladeshis are still inside Ukraine and they are advised to take maximum precautions for their own safety by the officials of eh ministry.
Many of these Bangladeshis now find it difficult to travel to border area from Kiev as situation is deteriorating.
Bangladesh is also in touch with the IOM to evacuate the undocumented Bangladeshis, officials said adding that there are some, who do not have proper document.