Two youths from Habiganj have remained missing in the Mediterranean Sea for 13 days while attempting to reach Greece from Libya by boat. The disappearance has left their families in a state of extreme anxiety and uncertainty.
The missing individuals have been identified as Lutfur Rahman, 40, son of Sirajul Islam of Sanaboi village in Habiganj Sadar upazila, and Junaid Mia of Singhagram in Lakhai upazila.
According to local sources, the duo travelled to Libya last December through a broker named Abdus Salam, a resident of Richi village in Habiganj Sadar. The journey was part of a contract worth approximately Tk20 lakh to facilitate their entry into Italy.
After staying in Libya for about three and a half months, the youths contacted their families on 21 March, informing them that they would be departing for Greece by boat that day. There has been no communication from them since that phone call.
Fears for their safety intensified following media reports on March 27 regarding a boat capsize involving Greece-bound migrants. The incident reportedly resulted in 22 deaths, 21 of whom were identified as Bangladeshi nationals.
Shahnewaz, a local Union Parishad (UP) member and resident of Sanaboi, stated that Lutfur Rahman’s family is currently devastated. He called for urgent efforts to locate the missing men and demanded legal action against the broker involved.
Saiful Islam, the younger brother of Lutfur Rahman, expressed his family’s desperation, noting that his brother’s mobile phone has been switched off since 21 March.
He further alleged that they are unable to contact the broker, Abdus Salam. “At the time of the contract, he was in the country, but we have now learned that he has moved to Libya,” Saiful added.
Regarding the matter, Delwar Hossain, Officer-in-Charge of Habiganj Sadar Model Police Station, stated that no formal complaint has been lodged yet. He assured that once a complaint is received, the police will investigate and take necessary legal action.
