‘He left home for a better life’

A man from Nanikhir union in Gopalganj has died after a boat capsized in the Mediterranean while travelling to Italy from Libya illegally. The deceased is Enamul Sheikh, 27, said Abul Sheikh Dhola, a survivor who was aboard the vessel during the accident.

Families said six more youths from the same union remain missing after the boat capsized. They are Anis Sheikh, Ibrahim Sheikh, Habibullah Molla Sohel, Ashiq Mina, Dulal Mina, and Niyaz Mina.

In October, eight youths from Nanikhir union travelled to Libya through local brokers, paying around Tk 21-22 lakh each. They later attempted to cross the Mediterranean to reach Italy.

Seven of them were from Paschim Lakhanda village and one from Gunhar village, said Md Alamgir Molla, UP member of ward-3 in Paschim Lakhanda.

On November 14, Enamul last spoke to his father, Yakub Ali Sheikh, from Libya.

Two days later, survivor Abul, 30, of Paschim Lakhanda, who is also the first cousin of the victim, informed the family via a video call that Enamul had died.

"Enamul's body was recovered by the Libyan Coast Guard. The Coast Guard vessel ran over the middle of our boat. Those who were in the middle died instantly. Those with life jackets floated; those without sank. At the last moment, when a rescuer's flashlight hit my face, they pulled me out," said Abul.

Yakub Ali, said, "Last Friday I spoke to my son on a video call. On Sunday I learned he had died and that his body was in a Libyan hospital. He left home one and a half months ago for a better life."

Muksudpur UNO (acting) Mohammad Golam Mostafa, said, "After receiving information that several youths from Nanikhir union were victims of an accident on their way to Italy, we tried to gather details through local representatives. However, none of the affected families have contacted us yet. A letter has been sent to the Gopalganj deputy commissioner's office to take necessary action."