Zahirul Huq, director general of external publicity (DGEP), told the news agency that the victims are all Bangladeshi workers. They were being taken to a construction site near Riyadh. The bus driver was also a Bangladeshi.

Of the injured, 11 were admitted to Aliman Hospital, while the remaining three released after first aid.

Three of the critically injured were being operated upon at the hospital at 1:30pm (Saudi local time).

Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ekramul Huq visited the injured at the hospital.

Zahirul Huq said the foreign office received preliminary information from Bangladesh mission in Saudi Arabia about the accident and the casualties. "We're waiting for detailed information", he said.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has expressed deep shock at the death of 13 Bangladeshi workers in a tragic road accident near Riyadh.

In a condolence message yesterday, the prime minister conveyed her profound sympathy to the members of the bereaved families and prayed for the salvation of the departed souls.

She also prayed for early recovery of the injured Bangladeshis and asked the foreign ministry and Bangladesh mission in Saudi Arabia to ensure their better treatment.