Fear and tearful lamentations have enveloped the household of Abdur Rahman Shikder in Shibchar, Madaripur, where a family stands destitute and desperate while their son suffers brutal torture in Libya.
30-year-old Mehedi Hasan, who previously worked at a computer shop in Shibchar, is currently held captive by Libyan mafia groups for a second time, with traffickers demanding a fresh ransom of Tk20 lakh alongside terrifying video clips of his torture.
Seeking financial solvency for his family, Mehedi had left home approximately one year ago, reaching Libya in September 2025 through a local broker named Sagar on the promise of a swift Mediterranean “game” passage to Italy.
However, upon taking him to North Africa, Sagar sold the young migrant directly to Libyan criminal syndicates.
To fund his son’s journey, Mehedi’s father, a farmer from Munsikandi village in Ward No. 5 of Bhashankandi Union, had mortgaged their homestead, sold land, incurred heavy debts, and handed over Tk22 lakh against a Tk21 lakh contract with Sagar.
Sagar collected the money through his local associate, Abu Taleb, and even secured the power of attorney deed to Abdur Rahman’s banana plantation.
Shortly after falling into the hands of the mafia in Libya, Mehedi’s family was forced to borrow an additional Tk17 lakh to secure his initial release. Having spent a total of Tk39 lakh across two phases, the family was left completely penniless.
Despite securing his initial release, Mehedi was resold to the mafia three months ago by Sagar, who operates out of Libya.
For the past three months, Mehedi has endured severe daily beatings while captors demand another Tk20 lakh ransom that his family has no means to pay.
“My son is completely unrecognisable now,” wept Abdur Rahman, describing the brutal abuse. “They have pulled off his fingernails and toenails, they refuse to give him food, and occasionally they make live video calls to us while beating him,” he said.
Local residents noted that the family’s farming background makes it utterly impossible for them to gather another Tk20 lakh ransom.
Addressing the situation, Shibchar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) HM Ibne Mizan warned that illegal overseas travel carries immense risk for individuals, families, and the nation.
He said the administration is actively raising public awareness and taking legal action against human trafficking rings, assuring that prompt legal steps will be taken if the victim’s family files an official complaint.
The UNO added that administrative measures must be accompanied by widespread social awareness to combat illegal migration and human trafficking effectively.
