Bangladesh’s embassy is working with Saudi authorities to repatriate the victims and arrange assistance for their families

Sixteen Bangladeshi migrant workers have died in a major fire at a sofa-manufacturing factory in Saudi Arabia’s capital, according to officials in Bangladesh.

The fire broke out on Sunday in the Musa Sanaiya industrial area of Riyadh. Authorities had not publicly confirmed the cause of the blaze at the time of publication.

Repatriation Process Begins

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was monitoring the situation. Officials from the country’s embassy in Riyadh are coordinating with Saudi authorities to complete formalities for repatriating the bodies.

Bangladesh’s Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury instructed officials to bring the bodies home as quickly as possible.

The government has also directed officials to facilitate assistance and compensation for the victims’ families.

Saudi Arabia a Major Employment Destination

Approximately 3.5 million Bangladeshi nationals live and work in Saudi Arabia, making it the largest overseas destination for workers from Bangladesh.

Workers based in Saudi Arabia sent more than $2.7 billion in remittances to Bangladesh last year.

Further information about the factory’s safety arrangements and the official investigation is awaited.