A Houthi missile strike on Riyadh airport last Saturday left more than 300 people injured, including at least 24 Bangladeshi nationals, with two Bangladeshis among the 13 fatalities reported in the attack. The injured group comprises 11 migrant workers and 13 Umrah pilgrims, many of whom remain hospitalized in Saudi Arabia.

One of the survivors, 38-year-old Bangladeshi pilgrim Abul Monsur Reaz, was in line to collect his boarding pass when the strike occurred. Reaz recounted the moment after the explosion when he feared for his life and reflected on memories of his family in Bangladesh. Standing behind Nasrullah Badar, a 37-year-old imam and teacher who died in the attack, Reaz described his survival as a matter of fate. He is currently receiving treatment, including multiple surgeries, at Riyadh Hospital for injuries to his legs, waist, and head.

Reaz spoke positively about the care he has received, noting the support and kindness of Saudi doctors and nurses, as well as assistance from Bangladeshi hospital staff. With no family members nearby, he said the hospital staff have been like family to him throughout his recovery. His treatment status was also acknowledged during a visit by Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Delwar Hossain, who conveyed assurance that the authorities in Saudi Arabia are committed to providing the best possible medical care until Reaz recovers fully.

Another injured Bangladeshi pilgrim, Daoud bin Muhib from Comilla, is recovering from shrapnel wounds and burns at King Fahad Hospital in Riyadh. He described the incident as horrific and emotionally painful to recall but expressed gratitude for his improving condition and the quality of treatment at the hospital. According to Muhib, several other Bangladeshi patients remain hospitalized, with at least three in intensive care and one in critical condition, while others are reported to be in better health receiving attentive medical care.

The strike on Riyadh airport has drawn international concern, highlighting the human toll of the ongoing conflict involving the Houthi movement. While authorities have been focused on medical response efforts, survivors like Reaz and Muhib continue to recover with the support of Saudi healthcare personnel and their compatriots working within the hospitals. Meanwhile, diplomatic channels remain engaged to address the needs of injured foreign nationals affected by the attack.