18 Bangladeshi die of starvation, illness in Med

At least 18 Bangladeshi migrants, including 12 from Sunamganj district, have died from starvation and illness while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Libya to Greece, according to local media houses BSS, The Daily Star and Dhaka Stream.

The victims, mostly young men in their twenties and thirties, were lured by human trafficking syndicates promising safe passage to Europe.

Victims identified

According to the report of the Dhaka Stream, the identities of 12 deceased from Dirai, Jagannathpur and Dowarabazar upazilas in Sunamganj have been confirmed.

From Dirai upazila, the victims include Nuruzzaman Sardar Moyna (30), Sajidur Rahman (28), Md Sahan (25), Mujibur Rahman (38), Sohanur Rahman, and Tareq Miah.

From Jagannathpur upazila, the deceased are Shayekh Ahmed Joy, Md Ali, Aminur Rahman, Md Naim Miah, and Ejajul. Additionally, Fahim Ahmed Munna from Dowarabazar upazila was confirmed dead by relatives. Others are reported to be from Sylhet district, though their identities are still being verified.

Perilous journey

Family members reported that the young men had been moved to various locations over three months after paying large sums to traffickers. On March 20, approximately 45 migrants, including the Bangladeshis, were forced onto a small boat. Due to lack of food, clean water, harsh weather, and prolonged time adrift at sea, many fell ill and eventually died.

Naim Miah's father, Dulon Miah, said he sold land and borrowed money, paying Tk 16 lakh to a middleman from Ichgaon village. He spoke to his son last March 21. “Yesterday afternoon, news arrived that Naim was no longer alive,” Dulon said, pleading with the government to bring his son's body back.

Government response

State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque confirmed the 18 deaths. He said to the media that 21 Bangladeshi nationals were rescued alive and sent to hospitals and detention centres in Greece.

The Bangladesh Mission has contacted the Greek Coast Guard and relevant authorities, and efforts are underway with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support survivors and repatriate bodies.

Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Elias Mia said the administration is collecting information and instructed local UNOs to locate victims' families so legal action can be taken against traffickers.

The dangerous Mediterranean route

According to Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Libya is a key entry point for irregular migration to Europe through the Central Mediterranean route—considered one of the most dangerous in the world. Since 2017, Bangladeshi migrants have consistently ranked among the top nationalities crossing this route. UN IOM data shows that at least 2,185 lives were lost or went missing in the Mediterranean Sea in 2025.

Family members have demanded the return of their loved ones' bodies, exemplary punishment for trafficking syndicates, and compensation.