10 sofa factory workers from Naogaon killed in Saudi factory fire

Ten Bangladeshi workers from Naogaon’s Atrai upazila have been killed in a devastating fire at a sofa factory in Saudi Arabia.

Naogaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam confirmed the news.

The deceased are-- Koli, 30, and Lutfar, 32, Jandar and Rubel of Kalikapur Union in the upazila, Sagar and Majidul of Bisha area; Shuvo and Suman of Dubai area; Jalal of Parkasunda village and Md Farid Sheikh of Udanpaia village.

Authorities concerned said that the death toll may rise further.

Locals said the fire broke out at the factory in Khordam city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, around 3:30pm Bangladesh time on Sunday.

The fire quickly took a devastating turn. The victims had travelled to Saudi Arabia in search of livelihood and were working at the sofa factory. Many families are still waiting for confirmation of the identities of their relatives.

Naogaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam said that the deaths of 10 people from Atrai upazila of Naogaon had so far been confirmed.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said the Bangladesh embassy in Saudi Arabia is maintaining round‑the‑clock communication with the accident site and local authorities.

Officials have been instructed to ensure the swift repatriation of the victims’ bodies and to provide all necessary government assistance and compensation to their families.

In a condolence message, the minister said, “Their contribution to the country’s economy was immense. I am profoundly saddened by their sudden passing and extend my deepest sympathy to the bereaved families.”

The minister also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and prayed to the Almighty to grant strength to the bereaved families to endure this immense loss.