The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested a member of a human trafficking syndicate in connection the tragic deaths of 18 Bangladeshi migrants in the Mediterranean Sea earlier this year.
The arrestee, identified as Mohammad Mikail Islam, 52, was apprehended by the CID’s Trafficking in Human Beings (THB) unit on Monday afternoon, from Sylhet airport area. Mikail is the son of late Abdul Karim and late Abzan Bibi, hailing from Mithapur village in Sunamganj’s Dirai upazila.
According to CID sources and the case document, the victims were lured by the syndicate with promises of a better life in Greece. Amongst the deceased was a youth identified by the pseudonym Masum, a neighbour of the accused Mikail.
The trafficking ring reportedly demanded Tk13 lakh from Masum’s family to facilitate his journey to Europe. As per the agreement, Tk5.5 lakh was to be paid for his transport to Libya, with the remaining Tk7.5 lakh due upon his arrival in Greece.
Investigation revealed that Masum stayed in Dhaka for 17 days before being flown to Libya in January. Following his arrival there, his father deposited Tk4 lakh into a specified bank account and handed over an additional Tk1.5 lakh in cash to Mikail.
The tragedy unfolded on 21 March, when the syndicate sent 45 migrants, including 18 Bangladeshis, towards Greece via a perilous sea route. The vessel lost its way in the rough waters of the Mediterranean and remained adrift for six consecutive days without food or water.
Survivors recounted that several passengers, including the 18 Bangladeshis, died from starvation, thirst, and extreme exhaustion. On the orders of the traffickers, the bodies of the deceased were dumped into the sea. Masum’s family later learned of his death through information shared on social media.
During primary interrogation, Mikail confessed to his involvement in the trafficking operation. He has since been produced before the court for further legal proceedings.
The CID’s THB unit is currently leading the investigation to identify other members of the syndicate, trace the flow of illicit funds, and uncover the group’s international connections.
Considering this tragedy, the CID has issued an advisory urging the public to follow government-authorised and legal channels for overseas employment. Citizens are also requested to immediately inform the CID of any information regarding human trafficking, fake visas, or migrant smuggling.
