Kolkata: Seven Bangladeshi nationals were confirmed dead in a tragic hotel fire in Kolkata, India, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Thursday. The fire erupted early Wednesday at a hotel located on Free School Street near New Market, a bustling and densely populated area of Kolkata.
According to United News of Bangladesh, local authorities initially confirmed five Bangladeshi fatalities, but the number has since risen to seven. The ministry stated that four of the victims were from the same family, with identities still being verified for the remaining victims.
Two of the deceased, Alimuzzaman Saju and Rebati Sarkar, hailed from Kaliganj upazila in Satkhira, Bangladesh. News of their deaths arrived in their hometown by Wednesday night, deeply affecting their families and the local community. Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Milon Saha confirmed efforts at the governmental level to expedite the repatriation of their bodies.
Saju, a shrimp businessman, had traveled to India for medical treatment and was due to return home the day of the fire. Rebati, who had been to India for a medical consultation, was in Kolkata for a follow-up when the tragedy struck. Their families have urged for swift repatriation of the bodies.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam assured that the government is coordinating with the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and the families of the deceased to ensure timely repatriation. The government may consider covering repatriation costs if families are unable to afford them.
The Bangladesh mission in Kolkata has maintained close contact with hospitals and local police to assist affected nationals. A 24-hour helpline has also been established for Bangladeshi nationals and their families.
Among the victims was journalist Debashis Dutta, 40, along with his wife, daughter, and father-in-law. Dutta, a correspondent for Ajker Patrika and Channel Nine, had traveled to Kolkata with his wife for medical treatment. He leaves behind an eight-year-old daughter and his parents. Additionally, Ahmed Babu, a cosmetics businessman from Savar, was identified among the deceased.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka and the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata continue to collaborate with Indian authorities to monitor developments and provide necessary support to the victims' families.