US-Bangla Airlines special flight brought 189 stranded Bangladeshis home from Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning amid escalating Middle East conflict, creating emotional reunion scenes at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Flight landed with 28 crew members following days of anxiety for families as joint Israeli-American operations inside Iran spread impact across Middle Eastern countries. United Arab Emirates faced attacks on American bases, leaving Bangladeshi expatriates trapped in uncertainty.

Akram’s 70-year-old mother Azizunnnahar expressed boundless joy at reunion. “My only golden child, piece of my heart, has returned”, she said. Returnees described harrowing experiences during conflict.

One passenger recounted fears during journey. “Sky travel was very risky. I kept praying to Allah”, he said. Another said, "I thought maybe I couldn't come back."

Evacuees confirmed that missiles struck multiple locations near residential areas. One returnee living half kilometre from impact site in Dubai described situation as ‘very bad and frightening’. However, most clarified attacks targeted American consulates and hotels housing US personnel rather than ordinary civilians.

“There were attacks in two places where American bases are located. They attacked hotels where Americans were staying. Common people had no problems”, one passenger explained.

Several returnees noted situation has improved from four to five days ago when conditions were ‘very bad’. They confirmed that Dubai and other UAE regions now show significant improvement despite ongoing tensions.

Another US-Bangla Airlines special flight departed for Abu Dhabi at 5:15 pm on Thursday to bring back more stranded Bangladeshi expatriates. Passengers urged government to continue providing emergency flights for those seeking to return home.

Tehran’s main targets remain American military installations, bringing UAE into firing line due to US base presence. Families welcomed returnees with overwhelming relief after nights of worry and uncertainty.