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At least 17 Bangladeshis were killed in a fire at a sofa manufacturing factory in Saudi Arabia, according to local sources. Twelve of the victims were from Atrai upazila of Naogaon, while five were from Naldanga upazila of Natore.
The death toll could rise, as further details about the incident are still emerging.
Naogaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam confirmed the incident on Sunday night. However, he said the exact number of Bangladeshi victims from Naogaon and other districts had not yet been confirmed.
“I have learnt that several Bangladeshis were killed in the fire at a sofa factory in Saudi Arabia. However, I cannot yet confirm how many of them were from Naogaon or other districts. The number of casualties will be confirmed tomorrow morning,” he said.
Local residents said 12 of the deceased were from different villages in Atrai, including Gondogohali, Dubai, Baithakhali, Khonjor, Parkasunda and Dighirpar. The remaining five were reportedly from Khajura village in Naldanga upazila of neighbouring Natore district.
Jaharul Islam of Mohonghosh village in Atrai, who works at the same factory but is currently on leave in Bangladesh, identified several of the victims.
They included Guffar Pramanik and his two sons, Mohun Pramanik and Sumon Pramanik, from Gondogohali village; Rubel Hossain, Koli Pramanik, Farid Sheikh, Sumon, Hashibul Hasan Shuvo and another Sumon, along with Jalil of Parkasunda village.
Authorities are expected to provide further details about the victims and the circumstances of the fire after verification.
