Steps taken to bring bodies of five Bangladeshis killed in Kolkata fire
Kushtia journalist Debashish Dutta was killed in a fire in Kolkata along with his wife, child and father-in-law
The identities of five Bangladeshi citizens killed in a fire in Kolkata have been confirmed. Four of them were members of the same family. Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed Islam disclosed the information at a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
She said the bodies of those killed would be brought back to Bangladesh as soon as possible. The government has taken all necessary steps for this, she said.
Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh’s Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata is maintaining contact with local authorities. He has already visited the accident site and the hospital to assess the situation. Arrangements will be made to send the bodies to Bangladesh as soon as the legal formalities are completed.
Regarding the cost of bringing the bodies home, the state minister said such expenses are usually borne by the families. However, if any family is unable to bear the cost, the government will consider the matter on humanitarian grounds and provide necessary assistance.
A fire broke out around midnight Tuesday at Shikha Inn Hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street near New Market in Kolkata. Quoting a police official, local media reported that a total of nine people were killed in the incident. It is initially believed that the fire may have started because of an air conditioner explosion.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said six Bangladeshis who were injured in the fire were released after receiving initial treatment.
India has long been one of the main destinations for Bangladeshi patients seeking medical treatment. These patients receive treatment in Kolkata and other cities across the country. However, travel to India had declined somewhat after the July mass uprising because of visa complications and tighter restrictions.
