Two separate cases have been filed against human traffickers following the deaths of 11 migrants from Sunamganj in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting to reach Greece illegally from Libya.
The cases were lodged on Tuesday at Derai and Jagannathpur police stations.
Each case names several suspects, with nine individuals specifically identified, alongside a number of unknown assailants.
Derai Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Enamul Haque Chowdhury and Jagannathpur OC Shafiqul Islam confirmed the filings.
At Derai Police Station, a case was filed by Shalikur Rahman, father of Sohanur Rahman Ahiyar from Bansuri village, Jagdal Union, one of the deceased.
The accused include Mujibur Mia, son of the late Akib Ullah of Tarapasha village in Derai, Saleh Ahmed, son of Maulana Wahid Mia from Jagdal and a resident of Italy, Shayek Ahmed from Tiergao village, Jagannathpur, and Josim Mia from Satak.
OC Enamul Haque Chowdhury said the case is being investigated with full seriousness.
On the same day, another case was filed at Jagannathpur Police Station by Habibur Rahman, father of Aminur Rahman from Pailgaon, Jagannathpur.
Five individuals have been named, with full addresses confirmed for three, while only names are known for the rest. The accused are Josim, a Libya-based resident, Azizul from Ichgaon, and Bilal, Dulal, and Enam. OC Shafiqul Islam confirmed the case is being investigated.
The tragedy occurred on 21 March when the boat departed from the port of Tobruk in Libya bound for Greece. Despite hopes of reaching Europe, the vessel lost its way in the open sea and drifted for six days. Exhaustion, hunger, and harsh conditions claimed lives one by one. At least 21 people died aboard.
Survivors were reportedly directed by the traffickers to dispose of the bodies at sea. Some survivors were rescued and taken to various hospitals and detention centres in Greece.
Among the deceased, 11 hailed from Sunamganj districts including Derai, Jagannathpur, and Dowarabazar. Families allege they were lured by false promises from traffickers. Initial low payments escalated to extortion of up to 1.5–1.6 million taka per person.
