Bangladesh cricket legend Mushfigur Rahim Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport was stranded after US and Israeli attacks on Iran led to widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations in the Gulf region. The star wicketkeeper-batsman, who returned home after performing Umrah in Mecca, shared an emotional social media post describing the anxiety and uncertainty faced by thousands of stranded passengers.
The Mushfigur Rahim flight turned back in the air due to the closure of the regional airspace
Rahim completed his pilgrimage in Makkah and was due to return to Dhaka via Dubai on Emirates flight EK 0806 on Saturday (February 28). However, shortly after taking off from Jeddah, the flight was forced to turn back as regional airspace became restricted following the escalation of hostilities.
The United States and Israel launched major military operations against Iran on Saturday, and US President Donald Trump announced the target. “It is to protect the American people by eliminating advanced threats” From Iran. This is how the Israeli Ministry of Defense assessed this action “in advance” Strike against Iran “To eliminate threats to Israel,” involving nearly 200 fighter jets in what military officials called the largest transition in Israeli Air Force history.
Iran quickly responded with counterattacks against Israel and US targets in the region, with bombings reported in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. At least 201 people died and 747 people were injured as a result of the attacks on Iran, and there are about 160 casualties as a result of the air attack on the girls’ school in the south of Iran alone.
“Only Almighty Allah knows when we will return”: emotional sharing of Mushfigur Rahim
The 38-year-old former Bangladesh captain took to Facebook to share his ordeal: “Peace be upon you. I came to Makkah to perform Umrah a few days ago. Alhamdulillah, I was supposed to return to Bangladesh via Dubai today after completing Umrah.”
He went on to describe the moment his journey was interrupted: “We flew from Jeddah to Dubai this morning on flight EK 0806, but unfortunately due to the war between USA, ISRAEL and IRAN, all flights returned to Jeddah and now I am at Jeddah airport with thousands of passengers.”
The article reflects the desperation felt by thousands of people in similar situations: “Only God Almighty knows when and how we will be able to go to Dhaka with other Bangladeshis. I am asking for your prayers.”
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The government of Bangladesh is monitoring the situation in the Middle East
State Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque confirmed that officials are closely monitoring Rahim’s condition. Speaking to reporters after inspecting the Kamalapur Stadium in Dhaka, the minister gave an encouraging update: “I am well aware of Mushfiqur Rahim’s condition. I have already spoken to him. He is in good health and is expected to leave on a suitable flight this evening. We hope he will return to the country soon.”
Rahim is not alone among cricketing personalities caught up in regional debauchery. England Lions coach and former goalkeeper Jonny Bairstow also found himself stranded in Abu Dhabi.
Also READ: Jonny Bairstow stays in Abu Dhabi and asks for help amid Iran-Israel and US tensions
