At least 11 Bangladeshi migrants have died from a lack of food and water in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting to reach Greece illegally from Libya.
While the identities of the deceased remain unconfirmed, five youths from Sunamganj are reported missing, and several survivors are currently undergoing treatment in Egypt.
The missing individuals from Shantiganj Upazila have been identified as Hridoy Pal from the Pagla Shatrumardan area; Enamul Khan, Ripon Mia, and Mamun Khan from Chikarkandi village; and Md Talha from Ransi village.
According to reports, an engine-powered boat carrying 42 migrants, including 38 Bangladeshis, departed from Tobruk, Libya, on the night of August 3. Shortly after the journey began, a storm struck, washing away the boat’s entire stock of food and water.
The vessel’s engine subsequently failed, leaving the passengers stranded and drifting at sea for ten days.
Abdul Karim, a survivor from Patharia village in Shantiganj currently being treated at Marsa Matruh General Hospital in Egypt, described the horrific ordeal.
“We were 42 people heading for Greece. Near the coast, our engine failed… no one came to rescue us,” he said. He recounted how nine Bangladeshis died before his eyes due to starvation and dehydration, followed by two more deaths.
The survivors were eventually forced to cast the bodies into the sea as they began to decompose.
Karim further noted that survivors are suffering from bodily sores and infections due to prolonged exposure to saltwater.
Another survivor, Lohani Ahmed from Dhal village in Dirai Upazila, is also receiving treatment in an Egyptian hospital. His uncle, Mifta Hasan, confirmed his whereabouts after seeing a video on social media, though it remains unclear if Lohani was on the same boat where the 11 deaths occurred.
Back in Sunamganj, families are struggling for information. Kanan Pal, the uncle of the missing Hridoy Pal, stated that his last contact with his nephew was on July 31.
Local sources suggest that influential brokers are allegedly pressuring some families to remain silent, falsely assuring them that the missing youths are alive and will be returned if no complaints are made.
The survivors currently in Egypt have appealed to the authorities for assistance in returning to Bangladesh.
