Saudi leaders offer condolences to Bangladeshi president over victims of massive ferry fire

Villagers look at a burnt-out ferry after it caught on fire killing at least 39 people in Jhalkathi, 250 kilometers (160 miles) south of Dhaka, on Dec. 24, 2021. (AFP)

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a cable of condolences and sympathy to Bangladeshi President Mohammad Abdul Hamid for the victims of a fire that broke out on an overcrowded ferry in a river and killed and injured several people. Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
At least 39 people died and about 100 others wounded when the blaze broke out in the middle of the night on Friday while many of the ferry’s 700 passengers were sleeping near the southern district of Barguna.
“We learned of the news of a fire that broke out on a ferry in a river in the south of the Bangladesh, and the resulting deaths and injuries, and we send to Your Excellency, the families of the deceased and the Bangladeshi people our deepest condolences,” the king said, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a similar cable to the president.