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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฉ Bangladesh /Disasters & Emergencies

Bangladesh works to repatriate citizens killed in Indian fire

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Bangladesh's Deputy High Commission in Kolkata is working to repatriate the bodies of nine Bangladeshis killed in an Indian fire.
  • At least five victims have been identified as Bangladeshi nationals.
  • The government may cover repatriation costs if families cannot afford them, though involvement from the Expatriates' Welfare Ministry is limited.

The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata is coordinating with local authorities to repatriate the bodies of nine Bangladeshis who died in a fire in the Indian city early today. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed confirmed the mission's efforts.

"We have contacted our mission in Kolkata. It is working so that we can bring the bodies of the deceased back to Bangladesh as quickly as possible once identification is finished and all formalities are completed," Obaed told reporters at the foreign ministry.

She stated that at least five of the nine fatalities have been identified as Bangladeshi nationals. Mission officials are in continuous contact with local authorities to expedite the process. When asked about government assistance for repatriation costs, Obaed noted that the victims were not registered workers, potentially limiting the Expatriatesโ€™ Welfare Ministry's involvement. However, she assured that the government would consider covering the expenses if the victims' families are unable to bear them.

We have contacted our mission in Kolkata. It is working so that we can bring the bodies of the deceased back to Bangladesh as quickly as possible once identification is finished and all formalities are completed

โ€” Shama ObaedState Minister for Foreign Affairs on the efforts to repatriate the bodies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.