Dhaka, Oct. 12 -- State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday acknowledged that the conflict could have an immediate impact on remittances as many Bangladeshi workers in the Middle East have lost their jobs, while some have been forced to return home and others are struggling to remain in the region without employment.

Such disruptions could affect remittance inflows, she said, noting that Saudi Arabia alone hosts more than three million Bangladeshis.

Responding to a question after attending a seminar, Shama, however, expressed optimism that the government would be able to overcome the challenges in the long run by exploring new overseas employment markets.

The Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry an...