Seven Bangladeshis killed in Saudi fire

Nine people, including seven Bangladeshi nationals, have been killed in a fire in Saudi Arabia.

The deceased were identified as Arif Md Shahadat, Barek Sarder, Md Shakil Pramanik, Saiful Islam, Ruman Pramanik, Md Firuz Sarder Ali and Md Rob Hossain. Of them, three hailed from Natore.

The Foreign Ministry on Saturday afternoon confirmed the matter.

The ministry said nine workers were killed after a sofa-making factory caught fire in the industrial area of Al-Hofuf city on Friday.

Of the deceased, seven were identified as Bangladeshi citizens, it said.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr Mohammad Javed Patwary expressed deep shock at the deaths.

IHR/SU