State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has vowed to track down and prosecute the human trafficking syndicate responsible for luring Bangladeshi nationals into a Mediterranean crossing that recently claimed 22 lives. Speaking at the ministry on Sunday, Shama emphasised that those who profit from such “criminal and inhumane” acts must face the law. The state minister noted that the smugglers typically lure vulnerable citizens with false promises, taking large sums of money only to abandon them in life-threatening conditions. This incident shows how vulnerable our people are to these smugglers who deserve exemplary punishment," she said. She said the traffickers likely promised a short one-day trip, but the vessel remained at sea for seven days without food or water.

Source: bd News24 March 29, 2026 17:12 UTC