Ten Bangladeshi migrant workers from Naogaon’s Atrai upazila have lost their lives in a devastating fire at a sofa manufacturing factory in Saudi Arabia.
The deceased have been identified as Koli, Lutfar, Jandar, and Rubel from Kalikapur union; Sagar and Majidul from the Bisha area; Shuvo and Suman from the Dubai area; Jalal from Parkasunda village; and Md Farid Sheikh from Udanpai village.
Naogaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam confirmed that ten deaths have been verified so far. This follows earlier reports from the ministry which had initially confirmed seven fatalities.
The fire broke out at the factory located in the Khordam area of Riyadh at approximately 3:30 pm Bangladesh time on Sunday.
The blaze spread rapidly, claiming the lives of the workers who had moved to Saudi Arabia in search of better livelihoods. Authorities have indicated that the death toll may still rise.
Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury expressed profound shock and grief over the incident, describing the deaths as “heartbreaking.”
In a condolence message, the minister acknowledged that the workers’ contribution to the national economy was “immense” and extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families.
The minister further stated that the Bangladesh embassy in Saudi Arabia is maintaining round-the-clock communication with the accident site and local authorities.
He has instructed officials to ensure the swift repatriation of the victims’ bodies and to facilitate all necessary government assistance and compensation for their families.
Meanwhile, ministry sources noted that the government is working to provide a final, verified figure through official diplomatic channels.
