Dhaka: At least 12 youths from Sunamganj were among 18 Bangladeshi migrants who died in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting to reach Europe from Libya, officials reported. Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Ilias Mia confirmed that a total of 22 migrants, including 18 Bangladeshis, died during the perilous sea journey. Of these, 12 were from different upazilas within Sunamganj district.
According to United News of Bangladesh, among the victims, six were identified as belonging to Dirai upazila, five from Jagannathpur, and one from Doarabazar. The deceased were named as Nuruzzaman Sardar Moyna, Sajidur Rahman, Shahan Mia, Mujibur Rahman, Suhanur Rahman, and Tayef Mia from Dirai; Aminur Rahman, Mohammad Ali, Shayekh Ahmed, Naim Ahmed, and Ijazul Haque Sajib from Jagannathpur; and Abu Fahim Munna from Doarabazar. The tragic incident has left the affected villages in mourning, with families grieving the loss of their loved ones.
Survivors recounted that traffickers forced the migrants onto an overcrowded boat lacking adequate food and water for the long journey. Many individuals fell ill due to hunger, dehydration, and extreme heat during the voyage, leading to several deaths. Witnesses also claimed that traffickers discarded the bodies into the sea.
Family members revealed that each migrant had paid approximately Tk 12 lakh to local brokers, expecting a safe passage to Greece via Libya. Instead, they were placed on a small, overcrowded boat that ultimately became a death trap. Grieving families have called for a thorough investigation and severe punishment for those involved in human trafficking. They also urged authorities to recover and repatriate the bodies if possible.
Local residents commented that unemployment and the hope for a better life abroad continue to drive young people toward risky and illegal migration routes. They appealed for increased awareness and stricter measures against trafficking networks. Meanwhile, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam emphasized that those involved in human trafficking must be held accountable. “The long-term solution is to stop this inhumane practice. Human traffickers must be punished under both domestic and international laws,” she stated at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.