Five Bangladeshi workers were killed in a fire that broke out early yesterday morning on Dhigurah Island, located about 100 kilometres from the Maldivian capital, Malé.

"Bangladesh High Commission in Malé identified the victims as Taj Uddin Islam, Sadar Ali, Robin Molla, Shafiqul Islam, and Noor Nabi Sarkar," First Secretary Md Sohel Parvez told The Daily Star this afternoon.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. The High Commission is closely monitoring the situation and is working with the Maldivian authorities to ensure that the bodies of the deceased are sent back to Bangladesh as soon as possible,” he said.

Two other Bangladeshi workers -- Jamal Uddin and Saddam Hossain -- were seriously injured in the fire, he said, adding that they are currently receiving treatment at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital.

Parvez said the high commission is maintaining constant communication with local authorities and providing necessary support to the victims.

“The injured workers are undergoing treatment at IGM Hospital, and we are keeping a close watch on their condition. Our mission is in regular contact with them and the hospital authorities,” he said.

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are also in regular communication with the high commission regarding the incident, he added.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, Parvez said.