38 Young Bangladeshis Missing At Sea for Over Two Months

Habiganj, Bangladesh: Over two months and eight days after attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Libya to Italy, 38 young men from Habiganj remain missing, leaving families in deep anguish. The Habiganj police have issued notices to eight individuals, including Hasan Molla, suspected of involvement in human trafficking networks, and have urged the families of the victims to file formal cases. Police Superintendent Mosha Yasmin Khatun conveyed this appeal to the media.

In addition, four of Hasan Molla’s associates—Mostakim, Tafsir, Mizan, and Sohag—have been ordered to appear at the office of Additional Superintendent of Police Prabash Kumar Singh, as instructed by the Officer-in-Charge of Azmiriganj Police Station, to aid the investigation. Despite inquiries at Libyan prisons, hospitals, and other potential locations, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya has reported no trace of the missing youths.

Financial and Social Context

Families of the missing paid between BDT 1.7 million and 2 million each to Hasan Molla, known locally as an “Adam trader,” in the hope of sending their relatives to Italy. Anxiety over the fate of their loved ones has left families paralysed by fear, with many hesitant to pursue legal action. Communication with the young men ceased hours after the boat departed from Tripoli on 30 September.

Following media reports, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare instructed the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya to search for the missing, but their efforts have yielded no results. Md. Rasel Mia, First Secretary at the embassy, stated that the missing individuals entered Libya through various countries, leaving authorities without accurate records. Even humanitarian organisations, including the Red Crescent, have been unable to provide information.

Historical Context and Modus Operandi

This incident follows a similar tragedy in March, when 15 Bangladeshis disappeared in the Mediterranean, presumably perishing at sea. On 30 September, four boats left Tripoli for Italy, carrying nearly 90 individuals, including the 38 from Habiganj. The remaining three boats successfully reached Italy, while the boat carrying the 38 remains unaccounted for.

Investigations indicate that Hasan Molla, also known as Hasan Ashraf, has established a monopolistic human trafficking network, sending nearly 1,000 Bangladeshis to Italy within six months, reportedly earning hundreds of millions of taka. Boats under his control typically take 10 hours from Tripoli to Italy, highlighting the risks faced by migrants seeking a perilous journey to Europe.

The ongoing disappearance of these 38 young men has sparked renewed scrutiny of human trafficking networks, raising alarm about the vulnerability of Bangladeshi migrants and the urgent need for government intervention to prevent further tragedies.