At least 18 Bangladeshi migrants, including 12 youths from Sunamganj district, have died in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting to reach Europe from Libya.
Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Ilias Mia confirmed that a total of 22 migrants perished during the perilous sea journey, 18 of whom were identified as Bangladeshi nationals. Among the victims from Sunamganj, six hailed from Dirai upazila, five from Jagannathpur, and one from Doarabazar.
The deceased from Dirai have been identified as Nuruzzaman Sardar Moyna, 30; Sajidur Rahman, 28; Shahan Mia, 25; Mujibur Rahman, 38; Suhanur Rahman; and Tayef Mia.
Victims from Jagannathpur were identified as Aminur Rahman, 35; Mohammad Ali, 27; Shayekh Ahmed, 22; Naim Ahmed, 25; and Ijazul Haque Sajib, 27. Abu Fahim Munna, 22, was the victim from Doarabazar.
The tragedy has plunged the affected villages into deep mourning as families grieve the loss of their loved ones. According to survivors, traffickers forced the migrants onto an overcrowded vessel that lacked sufficient food and water for the duration of the journey.
Witnesses and survivors reported that many passengers fell ill due to extreme heat, dehydration, and hunger, leading to multiple fatalities. It was further alleged that traffickers dumped the bodies of the deceased into the sea.
Bereaved family members disclosed that each migrant had paid approximately Tk 12 lakh to local brokers, who had promised a safe passage to Greece via Libya. Instead, the victims were placed on a small, congested boat that survivors described as a “death trap.”
The grieving families are now demanding a formal investigation and exemplary punishment for those involved in human trafficking. They have also appealed to the authorities to recover the bodies, if possible, and arrange for their return to Bangladesh.
Local residents observed that the lack of employment opportunities and the hope for a better life abroad continue to drive young people toward dangerous and illegal migration routes. They called for increased public awareness and stricter action against trafficking networks.
Addressing the incident, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam asserted that human traffickers must face severe legal consequences.
Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she emphasised that stopping this “inhumane practice” is the only long-term solution. “Human traffickers must be punished under both domestic and international laws,” the state minister said.
