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.
Instead, they were put on a small, overcrowded boat that turned into a death trap, they said.
Grieving families demanded a proper investigation and exemplary punishment for those involved in human trafficking.
They also urged authorities to recover the bodies, if possible, and bring them back home.
Locals said unemployment and the hope of a better life abroad continue to push young people toward dangerous and illegal migration routes.
They called for greater awareness and stricter action against trafficking networks.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said those involved in human trafficking must face exemplary punishment.
“The long-term solution is to stop this inhumane practice. Human traffickers must be punished under both domestic and international laws,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.