Italy-bound 2 Bangladeshi youths shot dead in Libya

Online desk:  Two young men from Faridpur, Bangladesh, who were promised a journey to Italy, were shot dead in Libya by human traffickers.

The victims, Hridoy Hawlader, 26, son of Mintu Hawlader, and Russel Hawlader, 25, son of Mojibur Hawlader, were brutally murdered, and their families received images of their bodies via WhatsApp from the traffickers on Friday (January 31).  The both victims were residents of Kumarkhali village in Gharoa union under Bhanga upazila of the district.

According to Hridoy’s father, Mintu Hawlader, the family had paid Taka 16 lakh to local agents Abu, Tara Matubbar, Almas, and Anwar to send their son abroad. Hridoy was initially taken to Dubai, then Saudi Arabia, and finally to Libya, where he was killed.

Hridoy’s elder brother, Mokhlesur Rahman, stated, “We had lost contact with my brother for several days. Today, the traffickers sent us a photo of his dead body. Even after taking 16 lakh taka, they kept demanding more money. Since we could not pay, they killed my brother.”

Local residents claim that this is not an isolated case. Foysal Hossain, a neighbor, said, “This human trafficking gang makes millions by kidnapping people and extorting money from their families. If families fail to pay, they torture or kill their victims.”

Bhanga Police Station officer-in-charge  Moksedur Rahman confirmed the incident and stated, “We have received information about the two Bangladeshi youths being shot dead in Libya. We are trying to contact the families. If they file a complaint, legal action will be taken against the traffickers.”