Key facts
- A fire at a sofa factory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, killed 16 Bangladeshi migrant workers.
- The fire occurred on Sunday in the Musa Sanaiya industrial area.
- Ten of the victims were from Naogaon district, two from Natore, and one from Rajshahi.
- Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy in Riyadh are coordinating with Saudi authorities.
- Efforts are underway to repatriate the deceased and provide compensation to their families.
A devastating fire at a sofa manufacturing factory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, resulted in the deaths of 16 Bangladeshi migrant workers on Sunday. The incident occurred in the Musa Sanaiya industrial area.
Officials in Dhaka confirmed the fatalities, with Bangladesh's Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment citing information from the Saudi fire service department. Ten of the victims hailed from the Naogaon district, while others were from Natore and Rajshahi districts.
Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it is closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary assistance. Officials from the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh are collaborating with local Saudi authorities to identify the deceased and facilitate the repatriation of their remains. The Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister has instructed officials to expedite these processes and ensure government assistance and compensation for the affected families.
Saudi Arabia is the primary destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers, with approximately 3.5 million citizens residing and working in the kingdom. These workers sent over $2.7 billion in remittances last year, largely from low-skilled jobs.