At least two Bangladeshi nationals have been killed and 100 more, including 21 peacekeepers of Bangladesh Navy, sustained injuries in the massive explosion in Beirut.
Bangladesh Embassy in Lebanese capital Beirut confirmed the casualties referring to a hospital source hours after the devastated blast near Beirut port where a towering grain silo had been shattered.
The Bangladesh mission also opened a hotline and urged all to inform the Embassy through the number – +96781744207, if they need any support or come to know about any more casualties.
The Inter Services Public Relation Directorate (ISPR), PR wing of the Bangladesh armed forces, said 21 members of Bangladesh Navy, who are on duty at Beirut port under the Maritime Task Force (MTF) deployed as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission were injured in the huge blast.
One of the injured Navy personnel admitted at American University of Beirut Medical Centre with critical condition while others were taken to Hamoud Hospital by helicopter or ambulance under the supervision of United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The injured navy personnel, crew members of Bangladesh Navy’s battleship BN ‘Bijoy’, are now out of danger except one and they are undergoing treatment under the arrangement of UNIFIL, said the release.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Lebanon Major General Jahangir Al Mustahidur Rahman in a video message said he along with his embassy officials rushed to the port after hearing the incident.
He said they had arranged the treatment of all Bangladeshi nationals. The embassy is also providing financial support to them, he said.
The authority concerned is now assessing the losses caused by the explosion under close supervision of the Head of Mission and Force Commander and Maritime Taskfoce Commander of UNIFIL.
The Bangladesh Navy battleship has been participating in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon since 2010.
“Until now over 4,000 people have been injured and over 100 have lost their lives. Our teams are still conducting search and rescue operations in the surrounding areas,” the Lebanese Red Cross said in a statement.
Residents of Beirut awoke to a scene of utter devastation on Wednesday while smoke was rising from the port, major downtown streets were littered with debris and damaged vehicles, and building facades were blown out.
It was unclear what caused the blast, which appeared to have been triggered by a fire and struck with the force of an earthquake, international media reported.
About 150,000 Bangladeshis live in Lebanon, according to the embassy.
The ambassador said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen talked with him and proposed if any medical or food aid can be sent at this moment.
“I think if we can bring aid at this moment, it will brighten our image and enhance the diplomatic relations with Lebanon,” he said.