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Published : 29 Mar 2026, 09:35 PM
The courtyard of Akhi Begum’s home in Jagannathpur is a scene of unrelenting grief.
Her son Naim Mia is among 12 Sunamganj youths confirmed dead while trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean.
“The broker threw my son into the sea and killed him! Bring him back! I want justice,” Akhi screamed, her wails echoing as relatives stood by in silent despair.
Naim’s father Dolon Mia said he had paid a local broker, Azizul Islam, Tk 1.3 million for passage to Greece through Libya.
Once in Libya, the traffickers, he alleged, held Naim hostage, demanding another Tk 500,000.
The victims reportedly perished from starvation and dehydration on a boat that set sail on Mar 21, their bodies cast into the sea.
The tragedy surfaced after a trafficking vessel was intercepted near a Greek island on Saturday.
Police confirmed the deaths.
“We have verified 12 fatalities and are gathering further information,” said Additional Superintendent of Police Sujan Sarkar.
The victims include six from Jagannathpur, five from Derai, and one from Dowarabazar Upazila, aged between 22 and 38.
Of the dead, 11 have been identified: Ejajul Haque Reza, Naim Mia, Shayek Ahmad Jony, Aminur Rahman, Ali Ahmad, Nuruzzaman Sarder Moyna, Shahan Mia, Sajidur Rahman, Mujibur Rahman, Sohanur Rahman, and Tayef Mia.
Families revealed the youths had paid between Tk 1.2 million and Tk 1.5 million each to brokers under the promise of safe passage.
Instead, they were allegedly extorted in Libya and crammed into overcrowded rubber boats. Many had left home one to five months ago, driven by hope, only to meet tragedy.
