5 Bangladeshis killed in Qatar road crash

Five Bangladeshi expatriates from Kanaighat upazila of Sylhet were killed in a road accident on Shamal Road in Al-Shahaniya city of Qatar today (21 June).

The deceased were identified as Jashim Uddin of Agtaluk village, Jibal Uddin of Amarpur village, Mostaque Ahmed, Zubaier Ahmed and Quader Ahmed of Majhtaluk village under South Bani Union of Kanaighat upazila.

The accident occurred at around 10:30am local Qatar time (1:30pm Bangladesh time) on Samal Road in the city of Al Shahaniya.The accident occurred at around 10:30am local Qatar time (1:30pm Bangladesh time) on Samal Road in the city of Al Shahaniya. Detailed circumstances of the crash are yet to be known.

According to the victims' families, the group had left home together and were heading to work when their private car was involved in the accident.

Kanaighat Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Aminul Islam confirmed the information, saying he had been in contact with the families of the deceased.

Photo: Collected

An Indian national, who was driving the vehicle, also died in the crash.

"The bodies will be handed over to the families as soon as they arrive in the country after all formalities are completed there. However, it is not yet possible to say when the bodies will be repatriated," added the OC.

State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque expressed deep grief over the deaths. "The sudden and tragic loss of these remittance warriors, who contributed so much to our economy, is deeply painful. I pray for the salvation of their souls and extend my heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families," he said in a statement issued today.

The state minister said the ministry has directed the labour wing of the Bangladesh Embassy in Qatar to work with utmost priority to repatriate the bodies at the earliest and ensure that the affected families receive proper financial compensation.