Staff Correspondent 

Minister for Religious Affairs Qazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) has stood by the family of Mufti Md. Nasrullah Badarpuri, an Umrah pilgrim killed in an attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The pilgrims have expressed deep gratitude for the assistance of the Minister of Religious Affairs in bringing back the injured Umrah pilgrims. The pilgrims who returned home have been officially welcomed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

On October 10, a 45-member Umrah caravan from Bangladesh was attacked at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Along with citizens of various countries, Bangladeshi Umrah pilgrim Mufti Md. Nasrullah Badarpuri was killed in the incident. He was a resident of Badarpur in Nangalkot Upazila of Comilla and was the leader (imam) of the Umrah caravan. Several other passengers of the caravan were injured in the incident.

Immediately after receiving the news of the attack, the Minister of Religious Affairs contacted the members of the affected Umrah caravan and coordinated with the officials of the Bangladesh Mission working in Saudi Arabia to take initiatives for the rescue and treatment of the injured. Even though he was undergoing treatment in Singapore at that time, he kept in touch with them around the clock. When the luggage of the passengers was lost in the attack, the Minister personally took the initiative to entertain them and arrange for new clothes. The government also continued to communicate to ensure return tickets and a safe return.

On October 13, a delegation led by Maulana Yakub Osmani, on behalf of the Minister of Religious Affairs, visited the house of the deceased Mufti Nasrullah Badarpuri in Badarpur, Nangalkot. Deep condolences were expressed to the family. They assured that necessary measures would be taken to bury the body of the martyr, provide permanent housing for the family, and fulfill the education responsibilities of the children. In a phone conversation with the family, the Minister of Religious  assured that necessary measures would be taken immediately to bury the body of the martyr in Jannatul Baqi or bring it back to the country. In addition, he personally provided financial assistance of 50 thousand taka to the family.

Meanwhile, 33 members of the 45-member Umrah caravan that was attacked landed safely at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight on Tuesday night. Under the direction of the Minister of Religious Affairs, his Private Secretary Sadeq Ahmed, Director (Hajj) Md. Lokman Hossain and other responsible officials of the ministry were present at the airport to welcome them.

Mufti Faizullah, Principal of Jamia Arabia Rabiul Uloom Madrasa, leaders of the National Imam Council of Bangladesh and concerned officials were present at the airport.