News 19 March 2026 IOM, Government of Bangladesh Facilitate Evacuation of 186 Bangladeshi Migrants from Iran

Geneva/Dhaka, 20 March 2026 - As tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) today supported the Government of Bangladesh's efforts to facilitate the safe evacuation of 186 vulnerable Bangladeshi nationals from the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The returnees, including 11 women and 11 children, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka in the early morning of 21 March, marking the first organized voluntary return of Bangladeshi nationals since the deterioration of the situation.

IOM provided critical assistance throughout the return operation, led by the Government of Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Iran, in coordination with the Governments of Iran and Azerbaijan.

"The Government of Bangladesh has demonstrated strong leadership in ensuring the safety and well-being of its nationals abroad," remarked Giuseppe Loprete, IOM Chief of Mission a.i. in Bangladesh. "IOM remains committed to supporting the government in assisting its nationals who wish to return, as well as those displaced or stranded in the countries affected by the crisis."

IOM's support included facilitating ground transport of the evacuees from Tehran to Azerbaijan, as well as performing medical checks and distributing food, water and medicine prior to departure, both in Tehran and at Baku airport.

Upon arrival in Dhaka, IOM provided the returnees with food packages, health screenings, and onward transportation assistance, while facilitating referrals to specialized services for those with complex health, psychosocial and shelter needs.

To date, IOM has supported the Government of Bangladesh in the return of more than 150,000 Bangladeshi nationals during major emergencies, including the Gulf War, the Libya crisis, and more recent evacuations from Sudan and Lebanon.

IOM remains deeply concerned by the heightened tensions and joins the UN Secretary-General and the international community in calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, which have placed millions of civilians at risk, including many migrants. The Organization continues to closely monitor developments across the region, with teams ready to respond to emerging needs where possible.

Assistance during and after the movement was made possible with the generous support of the European Union and the Government of Norway.

For more information, please visit IOM's Media Centre.