Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday conveyed profound shock and sorrow following the deaths of 16 Bangladeshi nationals who lost their lives in a catastrophic blaze at a factory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In a formal condolence message, the Prime Minister extended his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families, assuring them that the government will provide all required assistance during this time of immense grief and irreparable loss.

Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Saleh Shibly informed reporters that the premier is personally monitoring developments and has mandated swift, synchronized action among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh to repatriate the deceased.

Quoting the Prime Minister, Shibly stated, “The Prime Minister directed the ministries concerned to take coordinated measurers to bring the bodies of the victims back home at the earliest. All necessary cooperation would be provided from the Prime Minister’s Office to this end.”

The fatal incident occurred on Sunday when a devastating fire swept through a sofa manufacturing plant located in the Saudi capital, claiming the lives of 16 Bangladeshi workers.