Dhaka: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has apprehended two individuals believed to be part of a human trafficking syndicate tied to the tragic deaths of eight Bangladeshi nationals. These individuals perished when a boat, on its way to Italy, sank off the Tunisian coast.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the CID's Trafficking in Human Beings unit detained Md Rafiqul Islam Rafiq Bagha, 54, and Md Amir Hossain Swapan, 38, from the Tekerhat Bazar area under Rajoir Police Station in Madaripur. The arrests were made on Wednesday evening, as stated in an official press release.
The CID revealed that the duo allegedly collected money from the family of Russel Sheikh, a 19-year-old victim, and facilitated the transfer of funds to other trafficking network members to send the young man abroad. The case details indicate that between December 9, 2023, and February 14, 2024, there were attempts to transport Bangladeshi nationals from Libya to Italy by sea. Unfortunately, the boat sank off the Tunisian coast, resulting in the deaths of eight Bangladeshis.
The CID disclosed that the trafficking syndicate deceitfully obtained substantial sums from the victims' families, promising legal passage to Italy. However, they later attempted to transport them illegally from Libya using a motorised trawler. Following their arrest, the two suspects were presented in court. The CID continues its investigation to uncover additional syndicate members, identify fugitive suspects, and trace domestic and international associates and potential victims.
Earlier in the case, two other individuals, Gurudas Barai, 45, and Md Motleb Matbar, 68, were arrested. The CID has urged citizens to rely solely on government-approved legal channels for overseas employment, migration, and travel. They emphasized the importance of verifying the credentials of individuals or organizations before entrusting them with money or passports.