At least 16 Bangladeshi nationals have died in a devastating fire at a sofa manufacturing factory in the Musa Sanaiya industrial area under the Shifa police station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has confirmed.
Of the deceased, 13 were from Naogaon, two from Natore and one from Rajshahi.
Mohammad Rezae Rabbi, Counsellor (Labour) at the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh, confirmed the information late Sunday night.
According to the embassy, firefighters working at the scene confirmed that 16 people had died at around 2pm on Sunday. Local eyewitnesses said all the victims were Bangladeshi nationals.
Saudi firefighters continued rescue and recovery operations at the site. The intense heat of the fire has severely damaged the bodies, making identification difficult.
Among the victims identified so far are Farid of Ujanpoi village in Atrai, Naogaon; Shuvo and Sumon of Dubai village; Md Rubel Pramanik, Md Kalimuddin, Md Mohon and Md Sumon of Gondogohali village; Minhaj; Hridoy of Boala village; Shahin of Naogaon village; Abdul Jalil and Majidul of Kharsrota village; and Sagar of Sadnagar village.
The victims from Natore include Shamim of Dighirpar village in Naldanga upazila and Sabbir of Khajura village. Shyamal of Morugram, Dangapara village in Bagmara upazila of Rajshahi, was also among those killed.
The Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh has expressed deep condolences over the deaths. Embassy officials are at the scene and remain in close contact with Saudi authorities to assist with the identification of the victims and other necessary procedures.
The embassy is continuing to coordinate with local authorities as rescue operations and the identification process proceed.
