Israel targeted and destroyed the residences of several Bangladeshi diplomats in Tehran on Monday. First Secretary of Bangladesh Embassy, Oalid Islam’s house was seriously damaged during the attack. Oalid survived the attack as he was not at home.
WOW!
— Sensei Kraken Zero (@YearOfTheKraken) June 18, 2025
Israel hit the residences of Bangladesh diplomats in Tehran!
One home was COMPLETELY DESTROYED.
“My house was completely destroyed. There is nothing left around us now. Only a few houses of diplomats are left, but there is nothing around.”
-Bangladeshi Official Oalid Islam pic.twitter.com/7ibbd3oYxP
Oalid Islam said, “My house was completely destroyed,” adding, ““There is nothing left around us now. Only a few houses of diplomats are left, but there is nothing around.”
As per reports, Israel had issued a warning before the District 3 attack in Tehran. Many important buildings were targeted including the Iran’s State Television building. Bangladesh government told all the officials to vacate the area immediately. Bangladesh diplomats relocated to other parts of Tehran.
As of now, 400 Bangladeshis in Tehran are reportedly safe though Bangladesh Foreign Ministry is considering an evacuation.
Oalid Islam: First Third-Gender Diplomat from Bangladesh
Oalid Islam is the first Bangladesh diplomat from the Third-Gender Community. He made the revelation in a post on Facebook in January, 2024.
He had said in a Facebook post, “Hiding my true identity was becoming painful and unbearable day by day, as people used to ask lots of questions about my identity and when I would get married. Therefore, I finally revealed my identity on social media.”
Govt concerned about citizens stuck in Iran
Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique stated on Tuesday, “We are concerned about those who are in Tehran. They are at risk of being affected by the attack. We are now working for them and those working in our embassy so that they can be safe.”
Israel’s attack on Tehran District 3 is part of the major offensive launched by Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister against Iran’s nuclear program. Precision strikes hit major nuclear sites in Iran. Top Iranian Military Commanders and Scientists were eliminated. Iran responded to the attack with its range of ballistic missiles targeting Tel Aviv and other areas.
As the Israel-Iran war rages on, Ruhul said closure of airports amidst US sanctions have made evacuation difficult. He said the government is in contact with its allies to help with the situation, “We’re trying every available mechanism. But in wartime, nothing is easy.”
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi Diplomats have shared their contact as helpline numbers for Bangladeshis in Iran. However, 75% of the calls made on the helpline line numbers are prank calls asking for marriage and how to join the war. Oalid said “Unfortunately, 75% of the calls Faruq is receiving are about love proposals, marriage proposals, asking about the situation in Iran, or how to join the war. Meanwhile, 80% of the calls that Taher Sahib and I are receiving are from people asking if we are okay.”
The Foreign Ministry said around 2000 citizens were in Iran and out of them, 400 were in Tehran.
