The Mushfiqur Rahim flight returned to the skies as regional airspace closed
Rahim completed his pilgrimage in Makkah and was scheduled to return to Dhaka via Dubai on Saturday (February 28) on board Emirates flight EK 0806. However, shortly after departing Jeddah, the flight was forced to turn back as regional airspace became restricted following the escalation of hostilities.
The United States and Israel began major combat operations against Iran on Saturday, with US President Donald Trump announcing the goal “is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats” from Iran. The Israeli Ministry of Defense described the action as a “preventive” attack on Iran “to remove threats to Israel,involving about 200 fighter jets in what military officials called the largest flyover in the history of the Israeli air force.
Iran quickly retaliated with counterattacks on Israel and US targets across the region, with explosions reported in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. At least 201 people were killed and 747 injured in the attacks on Iran, which included up to 160 casualties in an airstrike on a girls’ school in southern Iran alone.
“Only Almighty Allah knows when we will return”: Mushfiqur Rahim’s emotional post
The 38-year-old former Bangladesh captain wrote on Facebook to share his ordeal: “Assalamu Alaikum. A few days ago I came to Makkah to perform Umrah. Alhamdulillah, after completing Umrah, I was supposed to return to Bangladesh via Dubai today by Emirates.”
He continued, describing the moment his journey was interrupted: “We flew from Jeddah to Dubai this morning via EK 0806, but unfortunately due to the war between USA, ISRAEL AND IRAN the entire flight returned to Jeddah and now I am at Jeddah airport including thousands of passengers.”
The message reflected the helplessness felt by thousands in similar situations: “Only Almighty Allah knows when and how we can go to Dhaka together with other people from Bangladesh. I ask for your prayers.”
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The government of Bangladesh is monitoring the situation in the Middle East
Minister of State for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque confirmed that authorities are closely monitoring Rahim’s situation. Speaking to journalists after inspecting the Kamalapur Stadium in Dhaka, the minister gave an encouraging update: “I am well aware of Mushfiqur Rahim’s situation. I have already spoken to him. He is in good health and is expected to depart this evening on an available flight. We hope he returns to the country soon.”
Rahim is not alone among cricket personalities involved in the regional disruption. England Lions coach and former wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow also found himself stranded in Abu Dhabi.
Also READ: Jonny Bairstow stuck in Abu Dhabi amid tensions between Iran, Israel and US, seeks help
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