Discussions held on studying rising sudden deaths among Bangladeshis in Maldives

Amid growing concerns over the rising number of sudden deaths among Bangladeshi nationals working in the Maldives, the Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) and the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to the Maldives have held discussions regarding the issue.

According to a report published by Dhaka-based newspaper “New Age,” the meeting was held between BMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. F.M. Siddiqui and Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, MD Nazmul Islam.

A press release issued last Tuesday stated that the high-level meeting focused on the need for a comprehensive investigation into the medical and environmental factors contributing to the deaths, alongside the implementation of urgent measures to prevent further incidents. The Bangladeshi High Commission emphasised the importance of investigating the matter in light of the increasing mortality rate among Bangladeshi expatriate workers in the Maldives.

During the meeting, Professor Dr. Siddiqui provided technical advice and guidance on addressing the issue. He also assured the delegation that BMU was prepared to take the necessary steps once comprehensive information and instructions were received through the relevant ministries and agencies of both governments.

The discussions also covered ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in education, including opportunities for higher education and professional medical training for Maldivian doctors at BMU. Professor Siddiqui expressed hope that a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) could be established with the Maldives, similar to agreements already in place with India and China.

A substantial number of Bangladeshi nationals work across various sectors in the Maldives, with many employed in physically demanding industries such as construction. Although some workers lose their lives in workplace accidents, there have also been previous cases of Bangladeshi nationals dying in incidents at their residential quarters.