5 Bangladeshis killed in Qatar road crash

Five Bangladeshi expatriates from Kanaighat upazila of Sylhet were killed in a road accident in Qatar on Sunday.

The accident took place around 10:30am local time, or 1:30pm Bangladesh time, on Shamal Road in Al-Shahaniya city.

The deceased were identified as Jashim Uddin of Agtaluk village, Jibal Uddin of Amarpur village, and Mostaque Ahmed, Zubaier Ahmed and Quader Ahmed of Majhtaluk village under South Bani Union of Kanaighat upazila.

According to the victims’ families, the five were travelling together in a private car on their way to work when the accident occurred.

Kanaighat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Aminul Islam confirmed the deaths, saying he had been in contact with the victims’ families. An Indian national, who was driving the vehicle, was also killed in the crash.

“The bodies will be handed over to the families once they arrive in the country after all formalities are completed in Qatar. However, it is not yet possible to say when the bodies will be repatriated,” the OC said.

State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque expressed deep shock over the deaths.

“The sudden and tragic loss of these remittance warriors, who contributed so much to our economy, is deeply painful. I pray for the salvation of their souls and extend my heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families,” he said in a statement.

The state minister said the ministry has instructed the labour wing of the Bangladesh Embassy in Qatar to take urgent steps to repatriate the bodies and ensure proper financial compensation for the affected families.