Immigrants from Bangladesh assisting Portuguese firefighters in battling wildfires in the interior of Portugal are making headlines in their home country.
Reports indicate that at least 20 immigrants are supporting the firefighting efforts, working tirelessly day and night to control the “devastating” fire that struck Oliveira do Hospital, in Coimbra district.
Their selflessness is being praised by their fellow citizens, as well as the local community.
Jewel, a Bangladeshi forest firefighter who is among those facilitating the firefighters’ efforts, expressed that despite exhaustion, they continue to work “tirelessly to keep homes and land safe,” emphasizing the “support of the local residents.” “They give us courage,” he stated.
During the operations, one immigrant became so exhausted he could not walk but returned to the scene once he recovered.
The publication highlights these “social contributions” as enhancing Portugal and even Europe’s “positive image of the Bangladeshi community.”
It has been noted that Brazilian, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, and Indian nationals are involved in fighting the fires in Portugal, marking “a sign of the demographic change in territories outside major urban centers.”
A decade ago, Oliveira do Hospital had only 50 foreign residents, but this figure rose to 283 by 2023, representing an increase of 466%. Some of these individuals have now become heroes in Portugal.
