12 people from Sunamganj drown while attempting sea journey from Libya to Greece

❐ District Correspondent

At least 22 migrants have died in a horrific humanitarian disaster while trying to reach Greece by sea from Libya in North Africa.

According to various media reports, 18 of the deceased are Bangladeshis. Of these, a total of 12 deaths from three upazilas of Sunamganj district have been confirmed.

Initially, information was received about 10 people in the district, but the latest confirmation of two more deaths in Dirai Upazila has increased the number to 12. Of these, 6 are in Dirai Upazila, 1 in Doarabazar Upazila, and 5 in Jagannathpur Upazila.

According to rescued survivors, the passengers fell ill one by one due to severe food and water shortages during the long sea voyage. Many died as the situation became dire.

The bodies were later dumped into the Mediterranean Sea on the orders of the smugglers.

The deceased include Nuruzzaman Sardar Moyna (30), Sajidur Rahman (28), Shahan Mia (25) of Tarapasha village in Dirai upazila, Mujibur Rahman (38) of Ranarchar village, Md. Suhanur Rahman of Basuri village and Tayef Mia (missing, presumed dead) of Matiapur village.

Local sources have identified the names of Abu Fahim of Kabirnagar in Doarabazar upazila and Sohanur Rahman, Shaykh Ahmed, Md. Nayeem, Aminur Rahman and Mohammad Ali of Jagannathpur upazila.

The relatives of the victims alleged that they planned to go to Greece via Libya by making a deal with a human trafficker from Dirai Upazila for about 1.2 million taka per person.

Although they were supposed to be taken on a larger and safer vessel according to the agreement, they were ultimately taken on a smaller and more risky boat, which is believed to be one of the reasons for this tragic incident.

The incident has cast a shadow of mourning over the entire area. The atmosphere has become heavy with the wailing of the families of the deceased. The locals have demanded the government to quickly repatriate the bodies of the deceased. At the same time, they have also demanded exemplary punishment for identifying the human trafficking gang involved.

Iqbal Chowdhury, a resident of Matiapur village, said, “Such a death on the way from Libya to Europe is unacceptable in any way. The news that Taif is no longer with us is very painful. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdous.”

He said, “At the instigation of brokers, the young people’s families sold their land and assets and sent them to Europe. But before they could reach the shore, Salil was buried at sea. They died due to lack of food and water.”

Dirai Police Station OC Enamul Haque Chowdhury said, “We are talking to the family after receiving information through various channels. If they complain, we will take action.”