Thirty-four MPs have called on the UK Government to act urgently to return British nationals from Bangladesh. In a letter to the Foreign Secretary sent on Tuesday 14 April, the MPs raised their concerns on behalf of thousands of British nationals currently stranded in Bangladesh. 

An estimated 3000-6000 British nationals are currently in Bangladesh at this time and many are trying to return home. Many of these individuals are elderly, vulnerable and suffer from underlying health conditions. 

In their letter, the MPs raise their concerns about the lack of commercial flights, flight restrictions by the Government of Bangladesh, the issue of internal travel within Bangladesh and also the high costs associated with any government arranged chartered flights. 

Rushanara Ali MP, who coordinated the letter said: 

"The UK Government must act urgently to ensure the safe return of British nationals stranded in Bangladesh as well as in other countries. Whilst the repatriation of UK citizens overseas is challenging, other countries are managing to get their citizens out. My colleagues and I are deeply concerned about the large number of our constituents who are unable to return to their homes and families in the UK."

- ENDS - 

Notes to Editors

1) For further information or comment please contact Rushanara Ali MP’s Office on 020 7219 7200 or email [email protected] 

2) You can find more information on Rushanara’s work in Parliament on her website - https://www.rushanaraali.org/.