Dhaka: At least six Bangladeshi nationals were killed and another was injured in a fire at a shop in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province early Tuesday. The incident took place in Tsomo town near Queenstown around 3:00 am local time.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Rowshon Ali, a member of Alirtek Union Parishad in Sadar upazila of Narayanganj, reported that four of the deceased were residents of his union. Another victim hailed from the neighboring Baktaboli union, while the sixth victim was from the Rikabibazar area of Munshiganj district. The detailed identities of the victims have not been confirmed.

“All of them were relatives. We are deeply saddened by the news,” Rowshon told UNB over the phone. Despite the tragic event, Narayanganj Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer SM Foyez Uddin stated that the local administration has not received official confirmation of the incident. He mentioned that there has been no communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nor have any family members of the victims contacted them.

In response to the tragedy, the Bangladesh High Commission in Pretoria expressed deep shock and sorrow over the deaths and the injury of another Bangladeshi national. A statement from the High Commission conveyed sympathy to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured individual. Bangladeshi High Commissioner Shah Ahmed Shafi is scheduled to visit Tsomo town to inspect the site, inquire after the affected Bangladeshis, and meet with relevant stakeholders.

The High Commissioner plans to hold formal meetings with local administration officials and South African Police to discuss the situation, the progress of the investigation, and the necessary assistance for the affected Bangladeshis. The Bangladesh High Commission emphasized its commitment to ensuring all possible support for the affected nationals on behalf of the government of Bangladesh.