Bodies of 18 Bangladeshi job seekers dumped in Mediterranean

The bodies of at least 22 migrants, including 18 Bangladeshis – 12 of them from Sunamganj – were thrown into the Mediterranean Sea after they died from hunger, dehydration and extreme conditions during a perilous journey from Libya to Greece on a small rubber boat.
After drifting at sea for six days, 26 fortune seekers were rescued by the Greek coastguard on Friday. The group included 21 Bangladeshis, four South Sudanese nationals and one Chadian. Survivors recounted the ordeal to rescuers on Saturday.
International media reported that a woman and a child were among those rescued, and that those requiring medical treatment were taken to hospitals.
“We are yet to receive full details. Our missions are in constant communication with 
the authorities in Greece. The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment is also aware of the situation. We are working together to ensure proper support for those who were rescued,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters at the ministry on Sunday.
Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Ilias Mia said 22 migrants, including 18 Bangladeshis, died during the dangerous sea journey. Twelve of the victims were from different upazilas of the district.
The deceased have been identified as Nuruzzaman Sardar Moyna, 30; Sajidur Rahman, 28; Shahan Mia, 25; Mujibur Rahman, 38; Suhanur Rahman; and Tayef Mia from Dirai; Aminur Rahman, 35; Mohammad Ali, 27; Shayekh Ahmed, 22; Naim Ahmed, 25; and Ijazul Haque Sajib, 27 from Jagannathpur; and Abu Fahim Munna, 22, from Doarabazar.
Survivors said traffickers forced them onto an overcrowded boat without sufficient food or water. Many passengers died from hunger, dehydration and extreme heat. The bodies were reportedly kept on board for some time before traffickers ordered that they be thrown into the sea.
A video circulating on Facebook on Saturday evening featured a survivor from Kishoreganj describing the incident. 
“We were put on a small boat after being promised a large one. There were five Sudanese citizens and 38 other Bangladeshis on that boat. Among them, 18 have died, whose homes are in Sunamganj and Sylhet. The rest of us are alive. The bodies were kept on the boat for two days, but as they began to decompose and emit a stench, they were thrown into the sea. Our condition is also bad due to the salt water,” he said.
The tragedy has plunged the affected villages into mourning, as families grieve the loss of their loved ones.
Umed Ali, maternal uncle of Nuruzzaman Sardar Moyna from Derai, said, “A survivor called me to inform me of Moyna’s death. He told me that besides Moyna, several other Bangladeshis, including three more from Derai, have died.”
He added that Moyna and others had arranged the journey to Greece via Libya through brokers, reportedly paying around Tk12 lakh each. Although they had been promised a larger and safer vessel, they were instead placed on a smaller, more dangerous boat.
Family members also alleged the involvement of local brokers. They said the trip had been arranged through Dulal Mia from the Chhatak Police Station area and his brother Billal, who is believed to operate from Greece.

Shaek Ahmed, another victim from Tiyargaon village in Jagannathpur, leaves behind a grieving family. His father, Akhlush Mia, lay in the courtyard wailing. 
“I had been living in Kuwait for a long time. I gave my hard-earned money to broker Azizul Islam, who promised to send my son to Greece. He killed my beloved son. I want justice,” he said.
Responding to questions about the repatriation of bodies and survivors, Shama Obaed Islam said the process would take time. 
“We need to complete certain procedures. In such incidents, governments become particularly sensitive,” she said.
Two Bangladeshis die in Libyan detention centre
In a separate incident, two young men from Madaripur have died in Libya while being held in a detention centre, allegedly following torture by brokers. Their families are still awaiting the return of their bodies.
The deceased are Ilias Howladar, 25, from Kalkini upazila, and Faruk Howladar, 35, from Dasar upazila.
Although they died more than a week ago, their families were not immediately informed. Both families have demanded the swift repatriation of the bodies.

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