Dhaka:The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has apprehended two individuals allegedly involved in a human trafficking syndicate that targeted a Bangladeshi migrant. The syndicate is accused of luring the migrant with promises of safe passage to Italy, only to traffic him through Egypt to Libya, where he was reportedly held captive and tortured.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the arrests took place during a CID operation near the Civil Aviation Welfare Market at Ashkona Hajj Camp under Dhaka's Airport Police Station around 5:00 pm. The suspects are identified as Md Atikur Rahman Thomas, 32, and Md Badiul Alam Bhuiyan alias Belal, 54.
The victim, a resident of Senbagh in Noakhali, had previously worked in Saudi Arabia. Upon returning to Bangladesh, he was introduced to a member of the trafficking network by a fellow passenger. The traffickers allegedly promised him a safe journey to Italy via Libya for a payment of Taka 12 lakh.
The victim deposited his passport and paid an advance of Taka 1.30 lakh at an office in Ashkona on April 5, 2026. Two days later, he was sent to New Delhi and then to Colombo, Sri Lanka. While in Colombo for approximately 16 days, the syndicate collected additional money from his family under various pretenses.
He was later sent through Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to Cairo, Egypt. Upon arrival in Cairo, the syndicate allegedly held him captive for five days and demanded an additional US$6,000. The victim and his family eventually paid about Taka 12.67 lakh through various transactions.
The victim was transported by road from Egypt to Libya, reportedly through remote desert and mountainous areas. In Libya, he was held in a "game room" and subjected to abuse. He was later detained by Libyan law enforcement and imprisoned. During his detention, the syndicate demanded another Taka six lakh for his release.
He was repatriated to Bangladesh on October 16, 2024. After returning, he filed a case against the network members at Airport Police Station on October 5, 2026, under the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Prevention and Suppression Act, 2026.
The CID's investigation led to the identification and arrest of the suspects in Ashkona. They have been sent to court with a request for remand for further interrogation as the investigation continues.