September 11, 2025
DHAKA – A Bangladeshi family fell victim to assault and looting amid the chaotic situation in Nepal on Tuesday when protesters vandalised a five-star hotel in Kathmandu.
The Bangladesh ambassador’s car was also vandalised when he was on his way to provide support for the Bangladesh football team now in Nepal, officials of Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu confirmed to The Daily Star last night.
The assaulted Bangladeshi family was later sheltered at the ambassador’s residence yesterday.
A diplomatic source in Kathmandu also said the embassy rescued a total of 30 Bangladeshis — 10 from the international airport and 20 from various parts of Kathmandu – amid the ongoing political crisis.
“They were passengers of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. After being rescued, they were taken to Biman’s designated hotel. Other passengers are also receiving direct guidance from Biman,” the official said.
On Tuesday, protesters set fire to a five-star hotel in Kathmandu and vandalised another where three of a Bangladeshi family were staying.
“The family was assaulted and their belongings were looted,” the official said.
As protesters entered the hotel, the family tried to hide their passports. Protesters broke into their room, beat them, and looted their belongings. The hotel authorities provided them with first aid and arranged for them to stay at another hotel.
However, the family was so frightened that they refused to stay elsewhere. Yesterday, they were taken to the embassy, where they received further medical care before being relocated to the ambassador’s residence.
Another official of the embassy said the national football team and the 51-member delegation from the Defence College which was on a study tour in Nepal are supposed to return to Dhaka via a special flight.
A total of 54 passengers, including 38 football team members, around a dozen journalists, and others, will be on board, the diplomat told UNB last night.
The special aircraft, a C-130, is expected to leave Dhaka for Kathmandu at 10:30am, a senior official said.
The Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu is in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Biman Bangladesh Airlines to arrange for a Dreamliner flight in addition to Biman’s regular afternoon flight from Kathmandu to Dhaka today, he said.
Apart from them, an estimated 400 Bangladeshi tourists are currently in Nepal, while about 50 Bangladeshis are working there with international organisations and NGOs.
Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain yesterday told media at the ministry that the Bangladeshis stranded in Nepal cannot return through India as they do not have Indian visas.
“They have no hostility towards us. So, I don’t think there will be any crisis. Our embassy is in constant contact with them. We hope everyone will return safely,” he said.
All Bangladeshi nationals currently in Nepal have been strongly advised to remain indoors at their hotels or residences.
Similarly, Bangladeshi nationals planning to travel to Nepal have been advised to postpone their trips due to the ongoing security situation until further notice.