President Extends Condolences to Bangladesh Following Dhigurah Fire

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended condolences in a letter addressed to the Bangladesh Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, following the deaths of five Bangladeshi nationals and injuries to two others in a fire on Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Dhigurah.

The fire broke out in the early hours of 13 March at an accommodation block on the island.

In his letter, the President expressed profound sadness, stating that the Government and people of the Maldives join in extending their deepest condolences to the Prime Minister, the government of Bangladesh, and the bereaved families.

He added that the thoughts of Maldivians are with all those affected and wished a swift and complete recovery to those receiving treatment.

The President also noted the contribution of the Bangladeshi community in the Maldives, stating that the country shares in the loss and sorrow caused by the incident. He said he has instructed the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take all necessary measures to prevent a similar incident from recurring.

Meanwhile, the bodies of three of the victims have been repatriated to Bangladesh. Yesterday, the High Commission of Bangladesh in the Maldives said on their Meta page in Bangla that the remains of Saadar Ali and Shafiqul Islam have arrived in Bangladesh, while the body of Md Robin Molla was also expected to arrive yesterday as well.

The High Commission added that arrangements are ongoing to repatriate the remaining two victims.

All five men who died in the fire were identified as Bangladeshi nationals: Raju Uddin Islam, Saadar Ali, Robin Molla, Shafiqul Islam, and Noornabi Sarkar.

Two others, Jamal Uddin and Saddam Hussein, remain under medical care at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). According to Public Service Media (PSM), the patients, aged 21 and 40, sustained severe burns and are being treated on ventilator support.