Seven Bangladeshi expatriates, all from Sandwip Upazila in Chattogram, have been killed in a road accident in Oman’s Duqm Sidra area.
The news of their untimely demise has cast a pall of gloom over the entire Sandwip region. The bereaved families have called on the government for assistance in repatriating the bodies of their loved ones.
The accident took place on Wednesday at 3:20pm local time (5:20pm Bangladesh time).
According to fellow expatriates Shipon and Sajeeb Chowdhury – who were at the scene during the accident – the victims were returning from fishing in the sea when their vehicle lost control, resulting in the crash.
All seven died at the scene, and their bodies are currently being kept at Duqm Hospital morgue, they added.
Among the deceased, five are from Sarikait Union – Mohammad Amin Soudagor, Arju, Mohammad Bablu, Sahab Uddin, and Mohammad Rocky. Mohammad Jewel and Mohammad Roni from Sandwip Municipality’s Ward 3 are also among the deceased.
Arian Ahmed Javed, Sahab Uddin’s cousin, told TIMES of Bangladesh, “The driver of the vehicle survived the accident and contacted local expatriates, who then informed us through phone. Since hearing the news, our village has been in mourning.”
Jamal Uddin, the father of deceased Jewel, has appealed to the government to expedite the repatriation of the bodies. He said, “My son worked hard abroad for the family. Now, I only wish to bring his body back home to see his face one last time.”
The entire Sandwip region is engulfed in grief. The families of the victims are urging the government and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare to take swift action and provide assistance in bringing their loved ones’ bodies back to Bangladesh.”
