A total of 37 Bangladeshis among others feared dead in Friday's boat capsize in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting to reach Europe from Libya, reports UNB.
While briefing reporters at his office on Sunday, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said 30-35 Bangladeshi nationals might have died in the boat capsize as 14 Bangladeshis have already been rescued among 51 of them.
"It's (the incident and loss of lives) very regrettable," he said expressing displeasure over taking risky voyage by Bangladeshis despite knowing the facts of dangers.
The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh Ambassador to Libya Sk Sekander Ali conveyed them whatever information they have through international media.
Asked about the possibility of bringing back bodies home, he said the representative of Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli will see the situation there physically and bodies will be brought back home, if recovered.
"Primarily, we came to know there were 51 Bangladeshi nationals among others on the boat," ASM Ashraful Islam, labour counsellor of Bangladesh embassy in Tripoli told the news agency adding that 37 of them are still missing.
"About the death, it'll be premature to comment rather it can be said out of 51 rest (37) are still missing," he said.
Ashraful Islam said they do not know yet whether there is any chance of rescuing more. "Wait until tomorrow (Monday) for my presence on the spot. The rescue operation is still going on."
He said the Embassy is in touch with Red Crescent in Tunisia to know details. "We're yet to reach Tunisia. We hope to reach there soon."
Mongi Slim, the head of Tunisia's Red Crescent, said on Saturday that around 75 migrants had left Libya's Zouara on the boat.
At least 164 people have drowned in the first four months while crossing the sea from Libya to Europe, according to the UN.
The foreign minister said the government, amid the volatile situation there, has imposed full restriction on travelling to Libya considering the situation in Libya with a few exceptions for those who have permanent job.
Meanwhile, the identities of six Bangladeshis have been confirmed.
The deceased were identified as Ahsan Habib Shamim, 19, and his brother-in-law Kamran Ahmed Maruf, 23, hailing from Kulaura upazila in Moulvibazar, Abdul Aziz, 25, son of Harun Miah, Ahmed, 24, son of Montu Miah, and Liton, 24, son of Siraj Miah of Muyidpur village in Fenchuganj upazila in Sylhet.
However, the name of another victim has not been confirmed yet.
