- 16 Bangladeshi nationals killed in Riyadh factory fire.
- Sofa factory blaze occurred in Musa Sanaiya industrial area.
- Bangladesh government assures aid, repatriation of bodies.
At least 16 Bangladeshi nationals were killed in a major fire at a sofa manufacturing factory in the Musa Sanaiya industrial area of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.
The ministry expressed deep grief over the deaths and offered condolences to the families of the victims. In a statement, it expressed its “heartfelt condolences” over the incident and assured the bereaved families of its full support and solidarity during this difficult period.
“The Honourable Foreign Minister and Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs have expressed deep grief and heartfelt condolences over the tragic loss of 16 Bangladeshi nationals in a devastating fire at a sofa factory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday,” TOI quoted the Embassy of Bangladesh in Riyadh.
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“They extended their profound sympathy to the bereaved family members of the deceased Bangladeshi nationals and assured them of standing by their side during this irreparable loss and time of sorrow,” the statement read.
How Did The Fire Break Out?
According to the officials, the fire was ignited around 3:30 pm Saudi time on Sunday at a sofa factory situated in Khordam city of Riyadh, where the fire quickly spread throughout the facility. The factory where the fire was initiated is said to be in the Musa Sanaiya industrial zone.
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After being informed, officials from the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh reached the spot and started coordinating with Saudi police to identify the victims and finalise formalities to bring home the bodies for burial.
The embassy is also collecting information about the incident and helping those impacted.
“It is with deep regret that we report the casualties among expatriate Bangladeshis following a tragic fire in the Musa Sanaiya area of Riyadh. Upon receiving news of the incident, a delegation from the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh promptly arrived at the scene and began gathering detailed information. The Embassy is taking all necessary measures, including confirming the identities of the deceased, completing legal formalities, and providing comprehensive assistance to the affected individuals, in accordance with directives from the highest levels of the government,” the Embassy of Bangladesh in Riyadh said in a statement.
Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury ordered the bodies returned immediately and provided due government assistance to the deceased persons' families.
Saudi Arabia is the largest destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers, with around 3.5 million Bangladeshis living in the country, Reuters reported. Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia also play a significant role in the country’s remittance economy, sending home more than USD 2.7 billion last year.
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