Rabbi Islam from Riyadh; Dbarta24 — At least sixteen Bangladeshi migrant workers hailing from the Atrai sub-district of Naogaon lost their lives in a devastating fire at a sofa manufacturing factory in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
Local authorities and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment confirmed the deaths late Sunday night, warning that the casualty count could rise as rescue operations and investigations continue.
Tragedy Strikes Migrant Hub
The victims had migrated from various villages in Atrai Upazila to work at the sofa factory. According to Atrai Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Moniruzzaman, four of the deceased were residents of Gandagohali village, two belonged to Bisha village, and one came from Parkasunda village.
While the official confirmation of the deaths has been established, local authorities stated that the identities of the individual victims are currently being verified through official channels.
Government and Ministerial Response
In a press release issued Sunday night, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury expressed deep grief and condolences over the tragedy.
“The sudden and tragic death of these expatriates working in Saudi Arabia is immensely heart-wrenching,” Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury stated in a condolence message. “Their contribution to our national economy is immeasurable. I express my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families.”
The Minister further confirmed that the Ministry, via the Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia, remains in continuous contact with local Saudi authorities and site inspectors.
Official directives have been issued to expedite the repatriation of the victims’ remains and to ensure full financial assistance and legal compensation for the surviving family members.
Ongoing Developments
Remittance workers from Bangladesh, particularly those in Saudi Arabia, form a vital backbone of the national economy. Accidents in industrial units across the Gulf region frequently highlight the safety risks faced by low-wage migrant labor.
Embassy officials in Riyadh are currently working alongside Saudi emergency services to complete forensic identifications and finalize formal procedures for bringing the bodies home.