Among the 22 migration seekers who died on a boat after losing their way while traveling by sea from Libya to Greece, 12 were residents of Sunamganj district.
Additional Superintendent of Police of Sunamganj, Sujan Sarkar, said that they have so far confirmed the deaths of 12 individuals. Among them, six are from Derai upazila, five from Jagannathpur upazila, and one from Dowarabazar upazila.
Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ilias Mia said that the district administration will file cases against the traffickers responsible for the incident.
The bodies of the deceased were thrown into the sea, while those who were rescued have been kept in a camp in Greece.
After speaking with police, family members, neighbours, and local representatives, the identities of 12 deceased individuals have so far been confirmed.
They are: Md Nuruzzaman Sardar Moyna (30), son of Abu Sardar of Tarapasha village, Kulanj union, Derai upazila; Sajidur Rahman (28), son of Abdul Gani; Sahan Ehia (25), son of Islam Uddin; and Mujibur Rahman (38), son of Abdul Malek of Rajanagar union of the same upazila; Tayek Mia of Matiyapur village under Karimpur union and Sohas of Basuri village; Abu Fahim, son of Fayez Uddin of Kabirnagar village in Dowarabazar upazila; Sohanur Rahman of Chilaura village, Shayek Ahmed of Tiyargaon village, Md Nayeem of Chilaura Kabirpur village, Aminur Rahman of Pailgaon village, and Mohammad Ali of Ichgaon village under Jagannathpur upazila.
Shayek Ahmed’s father Akhlus Mia was seen wailing in the yard in Tiyargaon village under Raniganj union of Jagannathpur upazila this afternoon. He had lived in Kuwait for a long time.
Family members alleged that human trafficking networks lured the migrants with promises of reaching Italy for Tk 12–15 lakh. Victims were first taken to Libya, where they were reportedly confined for extended periods before being forced onto overcrowded boats.
Dulon Mia, father of deceased Naim Mia from Chilaura village, said he spent nearly Tk 17 lakh to send his son abroad. “They kept him starving and forced him onto a rubber boat. I want justice for my son,” he said.
The Greek Coast Guard rescued 26 survivors on March 28 after they had drifted at sea for nearly a week. One survivor from Dirai, currently hospitalized in critical condition, confirmed the deaths to relatives back home.
Grief has engulfed the affected villages, where many families had pinned their hopes on migration to Europe. Ankhi Begum, mother of Naim Mia, has been repeatedly collapsing after learning of her son’s death, while his young widow is left struggling with their two-year-old child.
Local officials have acknowledged the incident but said verification is ongoing. Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Dr Mohammad Ilias Mia stated that authorities are gathering information and will take legal action against those involved in trafficking.
Community leaders and grieving families have demanded swift action against the brokers responsible, warning of a growing trend of risky migration driven by false promises and economic hardship.
