Bodies of Kolkata fire victims to be brought back soon: Shama Obaid

The bodies of Bangladeshi nationals killed in the hotel fire in Kolkata's New Market area will be brought back to the country soon, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam.

Speaking to reporters at the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, she said the bodies of five Bangladeshi nationals have been identified in the Kolkata hotel fire. Among the deceased, four are members of the same family. Arrangements are being made to bring the bodies back to the country quickly.

The State Minister further said the government will bear the cost of bringing the bodies back if the families of the deceased wish.

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry confirmed the deaths of five Bangladeshi nationals in the fire incident in Kolkata's New Market area. The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata has launched a round-the-clock helpline to maintain contact with the families of the injured and deceased Bangladeshis and to ensure emergency services.

A notification from the Deputy High Commission said family members of the Bangladeshi nationals injured or killed in the fire, who are in Bangladesh, can contact the helpline. The designated officer for emergency contact is Md Omar Faruk Akand, Second Secretary (Political). His mobile number is +91 8274821352, and WhatsApp numbers are +8801717291266 and +919903426119.