State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said on Sunday that the human traffickers must be punished under both domestic and international laws.
"The long-term solution is to stop this inhumane act, the government would ensure exemplary punishment for the human traffickers responsible for death of Bangladeshis while attempting a perilous Mediterranean crossing via Libya," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday while responding over the incident of 18 Bangladeshis died during the risky sea journey to reach Europe from Libya Describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable, the State Minister said trafficking networks, reportedly involving operatives from multiple countries, lure migrants with false promises to reach them to Europe, but expose them with life-threatening journeys.
Shama Obaed said Bangladesh missions abroad are maintaining constant communication with the relevant authorities, particularly in Greece, to gather detailed information about the victims and survivors.
"Our missions are working round the clock. The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment is also engaged to extend necessary support for those rescued," she added.
According to officials, survivors have been taken to hospitals and camps, where authorities are verifying their identities and processing necessary formalities before repatriation.
The state minister said, identifying those responsible for the trafficking network is a priority. All perpetrators regardless of nationality must be brought under legal accountability.
She also highlighted the inhumane conditions endured by the intended migrants, who reportedly spent six to seven days in the sea without adequate food and water, leading to multiple deaths.
Calling for stronger global action, the state minister said such criminal networks must be dismantled to prevent further loss of lives, terming the practice "a grave violation of human dignity."
Officials said, efforts are underway through Bangladesh missions in Greece and Libya to coordinate rescue, identification and eventual repatriation of the affected nationals.
At least 12 youths from Sunamganj were among 18 Bangladeshi migrants who died in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting to reach Europe from Libya, officials.
Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Ilias Mia said a total of 22 migrants including 18 Bangladeshis died during the risky sea journey.
Of them, 12 were from different upazilas of the district.
Among the victims, six were from Dirai upazila, five from Jagannathpur and one from Doarabazar.
The deceased were identified as Nuruzzaman Sardar Moyna, 30, Sajidur Rahman, 28, Shahan Mia, 25, Mujibur Rahman, 38, Suhanur Rahman and Tayef Mia from Dirai; Aminur Rahman, 35, Mohammad Ali, 27, Shayekh Ahmed, 22, Naim Ahmed, 25, and Ijazul Haque Sajib, 27 from Jagannathpur; and Abu Fahim Munna, 22 from Doarabazar.
The tragedy has left the affected villages in deep mourning with families grieving the loss of their loved ones.
Survivors said traffickers forced migrants onto an overcrowded boat that lacked sufficient food and water for the long journey.
During the voyage, many fell ill due to hunger, dehydration and extreme heat, leading to several deaths, they said.
Witnesses also alleged that traffickers dumped the bodies into the sea.
Family members said each migrant paid around Tk 12 lakh to local brokers for a promised safe journey to Greece via Libya.
