A tragic fire broke out on Dhigura Island in the Maldives during pre-dawn meal preparations for Sehri, resulting in the deaths of five Bangladeshi migrant workers and leaving two others critically injured. The incident occurred late on Thursday night, 12 March, prompting an urgent response from local authorities and the Bangladesh High Commission in Malé.
On Friday, 13 March, the Bangladesh High Commission confirmed the fatalities and stated that they are closely monitoring the situation. Arrangements have been initiated to repatriate the deceased to Bangladesh promptly, while the injured are receiving intensive medical care at the Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital in the Maldivian capital.
The following table provides the latest information regarding the victims:
| Name | Status | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Taj Uddin Islam | Deceased | Died from severe burns |
| Sadar Ali | Deceased | Died from severe burns |
| Robin Molla | Deceased | Died from severe burns |
| Sofiqul Islam | Deceased | Died from severe burns |
| Nur Nabi Ghosh | Deceased | Died from severe burns |
| Jamal Uddin | Critically Injured | Receiving ICU treatment |
| Saddam Hossain | Critically Injured | Receiving emergency care |
According to local reports, seven Bangladeshi workers sustained burn injuries when a gas flame ignited during cooking in a shared accommodation unit on the island. Prompt intervention by neighbours and hospital staff saved lives, but five individuals succumbed to their injuries before they could receive further treatment. Another 38 Bangladeshi residents in the same building were unharmed, as they were asleep in separate rooms at the time.
Sohel Parvez, Labour Counsellor at the Bangladesh High Commission, said: “One of the injured is in the ICU, while the other is under emergency care. We are coordinating closely with local authorities to ensure their treatment and the well-being of all affected migrants. Our priority remains the safety and swift rehabilitation of the community.”
This incident highlights the persistent safety risks faced by Bangladeshi migrant workers in the Maldives, who often live in shared quarters that can amplify the consequences of even minor accidents. The High Commission emphasised the importance of observing proper safety protocols and emergency preparedness, urging the community to adopt stricter measures to prevent future tragedies.
Authorities and the High Commission hope that this devastating event will serve as a sobering reminder of workplace safety and fire precautions, reinforcing the need for structured safety training and compliance with cooking and electrical regulations among migrant workers.