Riyadh Sofa Factory Fire Bangladeshi Workers: At Least 16 Dead

Riyadh – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) –  The riyadh sofa factory fire bangladeshi tragedy has left at least sixteen migrant workers dead, according to an early Monday notice from the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry. The news has brought deep grief to families across Bangladesh, many of whom are still waiting for confirmation about their loved ones.

The fire started on Sunday afternoon at a sofa-making factory in the Musa Industrial Area. This area falls under the Al-Shifa police station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital city. Local reports say the blaze broke out around 2:00pm and spread fast through the building.

Fire service workers at the scene said sixteen people died on the spot. Witnesses who saw the fire told officials that all the victims were Bangladeshi nationals. Many of them had moved to Saudi Arabia to earn a living and support their families back home.

As of early Monday, local fire crews were still working at the site. They were trying to search the building and confirm how many people were hurt or missing. The full scale of the damage was not yet clear.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh shared its deep sorrow over the incident. Embassy staff moved quickly to the site to help however they could. They are also staying in close touch with Saudi officials to identify each victim.

Rezae Rabbie, who works as counsellor (labour) at the embassy’s Labour Welfare Wing, confirmed that officials remain present on the ground. He said the team is doing everything possible to support the affected families during this hard time.

Most of the workers who died came from villages in Naogaon district. Officials named several victims, including Farid, Shuvo, Rubel Pramanik, Suman, and others. Two more victims were from Natore, and one man was from Rajshahi. Many families in these districts are now mourning their loss.

The ministry called these deaths heartbreaking. It said workers like these leave home to build a better life, often taking on hard and risky jobs. Their hard work sends real value back to Bangladesh’s economy every year.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also responded to the news. It said the government is closely watching the situation. Officials promised to give full support and help wherever needed.

This sad event highlights the risks that many migrant workers face abroad. Saudi Arabia remains the top choice for Bangladeshi workers seeking jobs overseas. Nearly 3.5 million Bangladeshi citizens currently live and work there.

Last year alone, these workers sent home more than $2.7 billion in remittances. Most of them work in low-skilled jobs, often under tough and unsafe conditions. Stories like this remind us how much families sacrifice for a better future.

As more details come in, the government is expected to share updates on the victims and next steps. Families back home continue to hope for answers, comfort, and support during this painful time.