Thirteen young men from Jamalganj upazila in Sunamganj who left home dreaming of reaching Europe have reportedly been held hostage by a mafia group in Libya. The abductors are demanding ransom from their families and showing scenes of torture through video calls.
During the calls, the victims can be heard crying and pleading for help.
“Mother, save me. Father, please save me. If the money is not paid, they will kill us. Sell our land or house if you must—just rescue me.”
Meanwhile, devastated parents are left in anguish.
“Will my precious child ever return to my arms?” one grieving parent said.
With Eid approaching after the holy month of Ramadan, the affected families say there is no joy in their homes—only pain, anxiety, and tears.
Journey Turned Nightmare
According to local sources, the 13 youths from Nazimnagar village in Fenarbak Union had agreed with local brokers to travel to Italy. Each family reportedly agreed to pay BDT 1.3 million (13 lakh) for the journey.
About one and a half months ago, the youths left their homes with hopes of reaching Europe. However, their journey turned tragic before reaching Italy.
Family members said the group left Bangladesh on January 28, traveling through Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Egypt before arriving in Libya. On February 25, they were allegedly abducted by a mafia group.
Initially, the captors demanded BDT 2.6 million (26 lakh) per person for their release. After negotiations, the demand was reduced to BDT 1.2 million (12 lakh) per person.
Victims Identified
The hostages include:
- Niloy Mia (22), son of Abul Kashem
- Shafiqul Islam (32), son of Rashid Ali
- Aminul Islam (25), son of Ekhlas Mia
- Yasin Mia (30) and Jibon Mia (25), sons of Nuru Mia
- Abdul Kaiyum (26), son of Tunu Mia
- Ataur Rahman (28), son of Rashid Mia
- Monirul Islam (24), son of Faijun Noor
- Mamun Mia (27), son of Shahid Mia
- Enamul Haque (26), son of Bacchu Mia
- Ataur Rahman (29), son of Jalil Mia
- Abul Hamza (25), son of Shamsu Mia from Nayahalot village
- Abul Kalam, son of Phul Mia from Sachna Kalibari village
Allegations Against Brokers
Relatives have alleged that several local brokers were involved in sending the youths abroad, but after the incident they have reportedly fled the area.
One Victim Escapes but Detained
Among the hostages, Yasin Mia managed to escape from the captors but was later detained by Libyan police and is currently in prison. The remaining youths are believed to be held in Tripoli, the capital of Libya.
Families Struggle to Arrange Ransom
The kidnappers have reportedly instructed families to send ransom money through mobile financial services while showing torture during video calls.
Many families are selling land, houses, and borrowing money from lenders to gather the demanded ransom, though uncertainty remains about whether their loved ones will be freed.
A Mother’s Plea
Abul Hamza, one of the hostages, is the only son of his widowed mother. In a desperate appeal to the kidnappers, she said:
“I have no money. I will beg on the streets to pay you, but please don’t harm my Hamza.”
Police Response
Officer-in-Charge of Jamalganj Police Station, Bande Ali Mia, said the victims’ relatives met him on Saturday seeking assistance.
“I advised them to submit a written complaint for legal action. Once we receive it, steps will be taken against the broker syndicate,” he said.
