Three youths from Madaripur died as a boat they were on capsized in Tunisian waters in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting an illegal journey to Italy.
The deceased have been identified as Md Samrat, 24, son of Ali Akbar from West Panchkhola village in Sadar upazila, Mamun Sheikh, 20, son of Yusuf Ali Sheikh from West Swaramangal village in Khaliya Union of Rajoir upazila, and Sajal Bairagi, 25, son of Sunil Bairagi from Sendia village.
Besides, Apan Sheikh, son of Pannu Sheikh of Gohala Union in Muksudpur upazila, is currently missing.
The information was disclosed by the relatives of the deceased.
Upon learning of the incident on Friday afternoon, a sombre atmosphere enveloped the area. Relatives and locals have demanded exemplary punishment of the brokers in this incident.
Visiting Samrat’s home on Friday afternoon, it was revealed that around five months ago, Md Samrat embarked on the journey to Italy through a broker named Rashed Khan, seeking a better future.
According to Samrat's family, the alleged broker, Rashed Khan, took Tk7 lakh from them. Subsequently, Samrat was transported from Dhaka to Libya. However, he was detained in a concentration camp upon arrival, subjected to torture, and deprived of proper sustenance. The news of Samrat's sudden demise reached the family on Friday.
Expressing his grief, Samrat's brother Azgar said: "I invested so much money to send my brother abroad, and now he's gone. We want justice for this loss."
It is learned that Madaripur broker Rashed Khan and his brother Tulu lured individuals, promising to take them to Italy, only to subject them to torture upon arrival. Rashed faces multiple cases in Madaripur and Shariatpur.
Following a similar pattern, youths from Rajoir upazila in Madaripur embarked on a journey to Europe. Among them were Mamun Sheikh and Sajal Bairagi, who departed from Dhaka on January 14 and were subsequently taken to Libya.
Family members received information that a motorboat, carrying Mamun, Sajal, and others, departed from Libya last Wednesday for Italy. However, the boat designed for 32 people but carrying 52 migrants capsized in the Mediterranean off Tunisia, resulting in twelve deaths, including Mamun and Sajal. Local coast guards rescued several survivors.
Sajib Sheikh, elder brother of the deceased Mamun Sheikh, and Sunil Bairagi, father of the deceased Sajal Bairagi, claimed that Mosharraf Kazi, an active member of a human trafficking gang, took Tk13 to Tk15 lakh from each of them, promising opportunities for them in Italy.
The accident occurred when the motorboat, arranged by Mosharraf Kazi, was sent to Italy with excess passengers.
The primary accused, broker Mosharraf Kazi, has reportedly resided in Libya for an extended period. It is alleged that his son Yuvraj was involved in recruiting youths from the village to send to Italy.
Rajoir police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Asaduzzaman Howladar said that legal measures will be taken in this regard.
Madaripur Sadar police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) AHM Salahuddin emphasized the importance of increased awareness among the public, noting that although the police initially arrested the accused when the case was registered, a compromise was later reached, leading to his release.
