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At least 22 young men died while attempting to reach Greece by sea, with 11 of the victims hailing from Sunamganj. The tragic news emerged Saturday evening (March 28) and quickly spread across social media. Families have since confirmed the deaths.
Among the deceased from Sunamganj are:
Md. Nuruzzaman Sardar Moyna (32), son of Abu Sardar, Kulanj Union, Derai Upazila Md. Sahan Ehya (22), son of Quari Islam Uddin , Md. Sajidur Rahman (26), son of Abdul Gani , Mujibur Rahman (40), son of the late Abdul Malek, Ranarchar, Rajanagar Union , Md. Tarek Mia (23), son of Md. Anwar Hossain, Matiapur, Karimpur Union , Abu Fahim, son of Foyez Uddin, Kabirnagar, Dowarabazar Upazila , Sohanur Rahman, Chilaura, Jagannathpur Upazila , Shayek Ahmed, Tiar Gaon , Md. Naeem, Chilaura Kabirpur , Rahman, Pailgaon , Md. Ali, Ichgaon ,
According to reports, on March 21, a total of 48 passengers departed from Tobruk, Libya, on a rubber boat bound for Greece. The vessel lost its way and drifted at sea for six days, during which passengers faced severe shortages of food and water. Survivors stated that at least 22 passengers died from extreme hardship. Following instructions from the traffickers, the deceased were reportedly thrown into the sea.
The Greek Coast Guard reported that a distressed boat was located approximately 52 nautical miles south of the Ierapetra coast. A Frontex ship rescued 26 survivors, including 24 men, one woman, and one minor. Initially, they were brought to Kala Limena port and later transferred to Heraklion, with two seriously ill individuals hospitalized.
Local sources have confirmed the deaths of Sunamganj residents. Jamal Uddin, convener of Dowarabazar Upazila Jubo League, confirmed the death of his nephew Abu Fahim. UP chairman Shahidul Islam reported two fatalities from Chilaura Haldipur Union, Jagannathpur, while Ward member Nurul Islam confirmed two deaths in Raniganj Union. Mizanur Rahman of Pailgaon confirmed his brother was among the deceased.
Families said the young men had paid around BDT 1.2 million each to travel abroad, hoping for better lives. The tragedy has cast a shadow of mourning over their communities and raised renewed concerns about illegal and dangerous maritime migration.
Additional Superintendent of Police Sujan Sarkar said, “Among those who died in the Mediterranean, 10 are confirmed from different Upazilas of Sunamganj. We are verifying their identities.”
Jagannathpur Upazila Executive Officer Md. Barkat Ullah told that five deaths from the Upazila have been confirmed so far, with further verification ongoing through local UP members.
Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Ilyas Mia said, “These individuals did not travel through legal channels, so official records are unavailable. We are coordinating with the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare to obtain information. Our officials are visiting the victims’ homes to gather details on payments and intentions. Once this is known, legal action will be initiated.”
https://thedailyexpress.news/news/country/1f12b59a-d8b0-6950-a4eb-9a12907a3abb