16 Bangladeshis killed in Saudi factory fire: Ministry
Officials concerned have been instructed to bring back the bodies of the deceased expatriates as soon as possible and ensure all necessary government assistance and compensation for their families.
At least 16 Bangladeshis were killed in a fire at a sofa factory in Saudi Arabia yesterday (9 August)
The victims are from Naogaon, Natore and Rajshahi, the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry said in a statement early today.
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury expressed deep shock and sorrow over the deaths, saying the Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia is maintaining round-the-clock contact with the local authorities.
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Officials concerned have been instructed to bring back the bodies of the deceased expatriates as soon as possible and ensure all necessary government assistance and compensation for their families, he added.
The minister prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved families.
Md Saiful Islam, the Naogaon deputy commissioner (DC), said 10 of the victims were from Atrai upazila.
They were Mohammad Koli, Lutfar, Zander and Rubel of Kalikapur Union; Sagar and Majidul of Bisha Union; Shuvo and Sumon of Dubai area; Jalal of Parkasunda village; and Md Farid Sheikh of Udonpai village.
The deceased are believed to be aged between 25 and 35.
Meanwhile, Naldanga Upazila Nirbahi Officer Al Amnan Khan confirmed the identities of three victims from Natore.
They were Sabbir Hossain Shuvo, Shamim Hossain and Rabiul Awal Hrido, residents of different villages in Khajura union of the upazila.
The fire broke out at the factory in Khordam city, Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, at around 3:30pm Bangladesh time yesterday.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam also expressed deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences over the deaths, according to a statement issued today.
They conveyed their deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and assured them of their support during this time of loss and grief.
Following news of the accident, officials from the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh immediately went to the scene, the foreign ministry statement said, adding that the embassy is working closely with the relevant Saudi authorities to complete the necessary formalities for the bodies.
The ministry said it is continuously monitoring the situation and providing necessary assistance as developments arise.
