RIYADH/DHAKA — At least 16 Bangladeshi nationals lost their lives in a devastating fire that swept through a sofa manufacturing factory in the Musa Sanaiya (Musa Industrial Area) of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The tragic incident, which took place on Sunday afternoon, prompted an outpouring of grief from government officials and diplomatic missions, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers abroad.
Rapidly Spreading Blaze
According to Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the fire broke out at approximately 2:00 PM local time under the jurisdiction of Riyadh’s Al-Shifa police station.
Fueled by materials typically found in furniture production, the flames spread rapidly through the facility. Local fire service and rescue personnel rushed to the scene, but initial reports confirmed that all 16 victims perished on the spot due to severe burns and smoke inhalation.
Hometowns and Identification
Authorities have begun confirming the identities of the victims, many of whom hailed from rural districts in Bangladesh such as Naogaon, Natore, and Rajshahi.
Local administrations and community leaders reported that a significant portion of the deceased workers came from the Atrai upazila in Naogaon, sending waves of shock and mourning through their home villages as families awaited official confirmation and repatriation updates.
Government and Embassy Response
The Bangladeshi government expressed profound sorrow following the disaster. In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, promising comprehensive support during their time of grief.
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury stated that the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh has been instructed to maintain round-the-clock contact with Saudi local authorities.
"Officials are present at the site and remain in close contact with Saudi authorities to identify the victims," said a representative from the Labour Welfare Wing of the Bangladesh Embassy. "The Embassy is taking all necessary measures—including confirming identities, completing legal formalities, and expediting the repatriation of the bodies as soon as possible."
Investigations into the exact cause of the factory fire are currently being led by Saudi local authorities and fire safety inspectors.
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