Eight Bangladeshi expatriates from Naogaon’s Atrai upazila were killed in a devastating fire at a sofa factory in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Mohammed Saiful Islam, Naogaon District Commissioner (DC), confirmed the deaths at 12.30am.

Mohammad Moniruzzaman, Atrai Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) said that the specific identities of the deceased have not yet been officially established.

Preliminary reports indicate that the victims included four residents from Gandagohali village, two from Bisha village, and one from Parkasunda village, another one from Sadar district. All of them were working at the sofa manufacturing plant when the blaze broke out on Sunday, UNO said.

Local authorities have cautioned that the casualty count may rise as further details emerge from the site of the incident.

Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful Haque Chowdhury expressed deep grief and sorrow over the tragic deaths.

In a condolence message issued on Monday, the Minister described the "untimely and tragic" deaths of the workers—all residents of Naogaon’s Atrai upazila—as "heartbreaking." He highlighted their "immense contribution" to the national economy and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family members.

Minister confirmed that the ministry is maintaining constant communication with local Saudi authorities through the Bangladesh Embassy to monitor the situation.

He further stated that instructions have been issued to relevant officials to ensure the swift repatriation of the bodies to Bangladesh. Additionally, the Minister directed officials to ensure all necessary government assistance and compensation for the families of the deceased.

The news of the tragedy has cast a shadow of grief over the victims' home villages in Atrai, where families are awaiting further information regarding the repatriation of the bodies.