Bangladeshi man allegedly shot dead in Libya despite family paying Tk6 million in ransom

A Bangladeshi man from Madaripur's Rajoir upazila was allegedly shot dead in Libya by a human trafficking network after his family failed to pay an additional Tk 2.7 million in ransom, despite having already paid Tk 6 million, family members said.

The victim, Sohag Munshi, son of Ashraf Ali Munshi of Majumdarkandi village, had worked as a house painter in Bangladesh before attempting to migrate to Italy through irregular channels in search of better economic opportunities.

According to his family, Sohag entered into an agreement with alleged local traffickers Moyna Akter and Julhas Sardar, paying an initial Tk 2.2 million to facilitate his journey.

After leaving Bangladesh in September 2025, Sohag was reportedly taken first to Saudi Arabia and later to Tripoli, Libya, where he was allegedly held captive and tortured. Family members said the traffickers sent videos of the abuse to extort more money, eventually collecting another Tk 3.8 million.

Although the family was later asked to pay an additional Tk 200,000 on the promise that Sohag would be returned home, he was never repatriated.

The family alleged that on July 23, the traffickers demanded another Tk 2.7 million, giving them until 8:00 a.m. on July 24 to make the payment. When they failed to meet the deadline, Sohag was allegedly shot dead. The family said they learned of his death through the traffickers on Wednesday and claimed that his body has since been concealed.

Sohag's mother, Shahinur Begum, said the family had sold land and borrowed heavily to raise the Tk 6 million already paid but still could not save her son's life. She demanded that his body be brought back to Bangladesh and that those responsible receive the maximum punishment.

Madaripur Assistant Superintendent of Police Bimal Chandra Barman said Shahinur Begum has filed a case with Rajoir Police Station. Police have arrested the prime accused, Julhas Sardar, and sent him to jail, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.

He said most of the alleged ringleaders of the trafficking network are currently abroad, while those in Bangladesh frequently change locations, making arrests more challenging. However, the investigation and raids are continuing, he added.