Riyadh sofa factory fire kills 16 Bangladeshis

On Sunday, a fire broke out at a sofa manufacturing factory in the Musa Sanaiya industrial area of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, killing at least 16 Bangladeshi migrant workers. The victims, aged 25-35, were from the Naogaon, Natore, and Rajshahi districts of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh — Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment confirmed the deaths, citing the Saudi fire service. Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury expressed shock and ordered officials to expedite repatriation of remains and ensure compensation for families. The Bangladesh — Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh is coordinating with Saudi authorities to identify victims and complete formalities. The cause of the fire remains unknown. Saudi Arabia hosts about 3.5 million Bangladeshi workers, who sent over $2.7 billion in remittances last year.