Two young men from Gopalganj die in Mediterranean boat accident; five missing

Staff Report: PNN

Two young men from Gopalganj lost their lives while attempting to reach Italy via sea from Libya. Enamul Sheikh (27) and Anis Sheikh (35) of West Lakhanda village, Muksudpur Upazila, died in the Mediterranean boat accident. Five others from the same village are still missing. News of the incident brought deep grief to the families and the entire area.

On Wednesday (19 November), visiting West Lakhanda village, reporters saw grieving family members. Relatives demanded that the bodies be quickly returned to the country.

According to family sources, Enamul and Anis had gone to Libya in October through local middlemen, paying around BDT 2.1 million each. Their plan was to reach Italy by boat. However, on the night of 13 November, two boats sank near Al-Khums coast of Libya, turning their journey into a fatal accident.

A rescued Bangladeshi, Abul Sheikh Dhola, told the families via video call that the collision between the two boats caused the accident. “Those in the middle of our boat didn’t survive. Enamul and Anis were seated there,” he said, adding that some floated in the sea and survived by holding onto life jackets. Rescuers gradually pulled everyone from the sea, and he was the last to be rescued.

The missing are Ibrahim Sheikh, Habibullah Molla Sohel, Ashiq Mina, Dulal Mina, and Niyaz Mina of neighboring Gunhar village. Their families are anxiously waiting for news.

Locals said human trafficking networks are active in the area, luring unemployed youth with promises of reaching Italy and extorting large sums, often leading them to deadly situations.

Alamgir Molya, member of Nonikhir Union Parishad, said, “People risk everything seeking jobs abroad, but illegal sea journeys are extremely dangerous. This malpractice must stop.”

Mohammad Golam Mostofa, Acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Muksudpur, confirmed that the matter has been reported to the relevant authorities, and families are receiving administrative support.

Shashtipad Roy, Assistant Director of Gopalganj District Expatriate Welfare Office, added, “The government provides legal opportunities to go to Italy, yet many fall into the hands of middlemen, taking risks illegally, which is very unfortunate. The matter is being reported to higher authorities.”