At least 16 Bangladeshi migrant workers were killed after a devastating fire broke out at a sofa factory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to Bangladesh authorities.
The fire occurred Sunday in the Saudi capital and claimed the lives of workers who had travelled from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia in search of employment. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment said the victims included 10 people from the northern district of Naogaon, while others were from Natore and Rajshahi.
Bangladesh’s Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful Haque Chowdhury expressed shock and sorrow over the deaths, describing the loss of expatriate workers as a deeply painful tragedy. He said Bangladeshi migrant workers make an important contribution to the country’s economy through their employment and remittances.
Officials from the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh have reached the scene and are coordinating with Saudi authorities to identify the deceased and complete the formal procedures required to repatriate their remains.
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also closely monitoring the situation and providing assistance. Authorities have instructed officials to speed up the repatriation process while ensuring government support and compensation for the victims’ families.
Saudi Arabia is the largest destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers. An estimated 3.5 million Bangladeshis currently live and work in the Kingdom, many employed in lower-skilled sectors.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the difficult circumstances faced by migrant workers who travel abroad to earn a living and support their families back home. For the families of the 16 victims, a search for economic opportunity has ended in devastating loss.
