Bangladeshi youth dies as boat sinks on way to Greece

A Bangladeshi man died after a boat carrying migrants from Libya to Greece sank in the Mediterranean Sea while he was trying to reach Europe in search of a better life, his family said.

Bayzid Chowdhury, 23, son of Sub Mia of Adarshapara village in Bhairab, Kishoreganj, was among several migrants aboard the boat when it sank around 11pm on September 14 following an accident, according to his family.

Bayzid had travelled to Libya some time ago with two other youths from his area. He later set out for Greece by boat with other prospective migrants.

The family said they learned of his death from a broker. His body has not yet been recovered.

Bhairab Upazila Nirbahi Officer KM Mamunur Rashid confirmed that he had received information about Bayzid’s death in the boat sinking off the Libyan coast.

The authorities would provide necessary assistance if the family sought to repatriate the body, he said.

Bayzid’s death adds to the risks faced by Bangladeshi migrants attempting dangerous Mediterranean crossings from North Africa to Europe.