6 youths from Sunamganj missing en route from Libya to Greece

Allegations have emerged that six youths from Sunamganj's Shantiganj upazila have gone missing while attempting to travel by trawler from Libya to Greece across the Mediterranean Sea. Family members claim they have been unable to contact them since they departed from Libya for Europe on August 3. The relatives of the missing are spending their days and nights in anxiety.

The six missing individuals are: Enamul Khan, Ripon Mia and Mamun Khan from Chikarkandi village in East Pagla Union; Md Talha from Ransi village; Hridoy Pal from Shatrumardan village in West Pagla Union; and Sagar Pal from Sichni village in Dargapasha Union. Family members said they had reached Libya through brokers and then set off for Greece by trawler. Their mobile phones have been switched off since the journey began.

Meanwhile, family members said four other youths from Shantiganj who were on the same journey have been rescued alive. They are currently undergoing treatment at Marsa Matruh Hospital in Egypt. The rescued individuals are: Badruddin Ahmed Kamran from Sichni village in Dargapasha Union; Alim Uddin from Burum Pur village; and Abu Sayeed and Abdul Karim from Patharia Union. Relatives said the condition of the four undergoing treatment has improved somewhat.

In a video message, Abdul Karim, who is undergoing treatment at the hospital, said 42 Bangladeshis had set off from Libya for Greece on a trawler. After nearing their destination, the vessel's engine broke down, leaving them adrift at sea for a long time. He claimed that due to a lack of adequate food and clean water, 11 Bangladeshis died, and their bodies were later forced to be disposed of at sea. He also said survivors have developed sores and infections on various parts of their bodies due to prolonged exposure to saltwater. He appealed to the government to bring them back to the country quickly.

Family members of the missing said their loved ones had gone to Libya through brokers at great expense in search of a better life. Hridoy Pal's father, Rontu Pal, said his son was first sent from Dhaka to India under a contract with Libya-based expatriate Umar Ali and Kaddus Ali from Dungria village in Shantiganj for Tk 13 lakh. Hridoy was then taken to Libya via Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates. Contact with him was lost after he set off for Greece.

Mizanur Rahman, cousin of missing Talha, said Talha had informed his family on August 2 that he would depart from Libya for Greece at dawn on August 3. Contact has not been possible since.

Meanwhile, a team from Shantiganj Police Station visited Hridoy Pal's house and spoke with family members to inquire about the missing. Shantiganj Upazila Executive Officer Hillol Chakma said the upazila administration has contacted the families of the missing. He said the matter is being investigated and necessary action will be taken.