Accidental Turpentine Ingestion Kills 21-Year-Old Expat

A 21-year-old Bangladeshi migrant worker, Solaiman Matabbar, died in the Maldives after accidentally swallowing turpentine chemical at his workplace. His death is among eight Bangladeshi fatalities recorded in just 10 days—most aged 21 to 45—occurring through workplace accidents, strokes, and suicide. Expatriate groups attribute the tragic spike in medical emergencies to severe financial strain, mental stress, and prolonged isolation from their families.

Eight Bangladeshi Nationals Die in Maldives Within 10 Days, Raising Mental Health Concerns

Eight Bangladeshi nationals, including seven young migrant workers, have died in the Maldives within a span of just ten days, according to details disclosed by the Bangladesh High Commission to the news outlet "Views". The sudden cluster of deaths has sparked widespread anxiety within the expatriate community and renewed calls for greater psychological and welfare support.

The fatalities, recorded between July 25 and August 3, mostly involved young to middle-aged men between 21 and 47 years old. The tragedy began on July 25 when 23-year-old Robiul Islam Rowshan lost his life in a workplace accident. Over the following days, three workers—Humayun Kabir (45), Mokbul Mia (47), and Sayed Molla (44)—succumbed to sudden strokes. Another worker, 45-year-old Sheikh Farid, passed away on July 30 after suffering a stroke triggered by diabetes complications.

On August 1, two distinct workplace and personal tragedies unfolded. Solaiman Matabbar, a 21-year-old worker, died while receiving medical treatment after accidentally drinking turpentine—a chemical toxic agent found in cleaning disinfectants and paints—at his job site. On the same day, 37-year-old Badiur Rahman was found dead in an apparent suicide. The final death occurred on August 3, when 70-year-old Delwara Nabi, wife of an anaesthesiologist at Tree Top Hospital, passed away from a heart attack.

Members of the Bangladeshi expatriate population in the Maldives expressed deep concern over the spike in sudden health emergencies. They noted that living away from their families for prolonged periods, coupled with severe financial distress and unrelenting psychological pressure, creates immense mental burden that frequently triggers severe health crises.

Expatriates represent a massive segment of the local labor force. Official data from the Maldives Bureau of Statistics estimates the total national population at 590,079, comprising 394,054 Maldivians and 196,024 foreign nationals. Strikingly, foreign men account for 47 percent of the total male population in the Maldives. Bangladeshi citizens form the largest expatriate demographic, with official Ministry of Home Affairs figures logging over 90,000 workers. However, many face systemic labor violations, including passport withholding, unpaid wages, and denial of basic rights.

The Bangladesh High Commission confirmed it is working closely with Maldivian authorities to repatriate the deceased. Two bodies have already been transported back to Bangladesh, with procedures underway to return the remaining individuals to their families.