বৃহস্পতিবার, ১৭ সেপ্টেম্বর ২০২৬, ০৭:৪৩ অপরাহ্ন
DHAKA, Sept 17, 2026 (BSS) -The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested two alleged members of a human trafficking syndicate in connection with the deaths of eight Bangladeshis in a boat sinking off the Tunisian coast while they were being trafficked to Italy.
A team of CID’s Trafficking in Human Beings (THB) unit arrested Md Rafiqul Islam Rafiq Bagha, 54, and Md Amir Hossain Swapan, 38, from the Tekerhat Bazar area under Rajoir Police Station in Madaripur on Wednesday evening, said a press release.
According to CID, the two allegedly collected money from the family of deceased victim Russel Sheikh, 19, handed it over to other members of the trafficking network and assisted in sending him abroad.
The case statement says attempts were made between December 9, 2023 and February 14, 2024 to send Bangladeshi nationals from Libya to Italy by sea. A boat later sank off the Tunisian coast, leaving eight Bangladeshis dead.
CID said an organised trafficking syndicate had taken large sums from victims’ families by promising to send them legally to Italy, but later attempted to send them illegally from Libya by motorised trawler.
The two arrestees were sent to court following their arrest. CID said it is continuing its investigation to identify other members of the syndicate, fugitive accused, domestic and foreign associates, and potential victims.
Earlier, two accused – Gurudas Barai, 45, and Md Motleb Matbar, 68 – were also arrested in the case.
The CID urged citizens to use only government-approved legal channels for overseas employment, migration and travel and to verify the credentials of individuals or organisations before handing over money or passports.
