Remains of Bangladeshi killed in Riyadh airport attack arrive home

The remains of one of the two Bangladeshis, who were among 13 people killed in a Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, arrived home on Friday morning.

The body of Shahed Ahmed Ashik reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 8:30am, where State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam received it, according to the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment.

Later, the body was handed over to the victim's family. During the handover, the Wage Earners' Welfare Board provided immediate financial assistance to the victim's family.

The assistance included 35,000 taka to cover burial and transportation costs and a special grant of 50,000 taka following his death in the conflict.

Meanwhile, the victim's employer, Saad Al-Essa Contracting Company, deposited 27,395.62 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to around 9 lakh taka, into the account of the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh.

The amount covers his outstanding salary, allowances and service benefits. It will be formally handed over to his family through the Wage Earners' Welfare Board soon.

The family may also receive an additional 3 lakh taka, subject to having a valid Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) card or equivalent identification.

Besides, the family could be eligible for a further 10 lakh taka in insurance benefits, depending on the applicable insurance coverage, the ministry said.

Thirteen people, including two Bangladeshis, were killed in the attack on King Khalid International Airport on October 10. The attack also left 308 others, including several Bangladeshis, injured.

Shahed, 35, son of Rafiqul Islam alias Mithu of Malipara village in Madla union under Shajahanpur upazila of Bogura, was among the deceased.