Identities of 8 Bangladeshis drowned in Mediterranean Sea revealed

The foreign ministry today revealed identities of the eight Bangladeshis who died as their boat capsized while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea, reports BSS.

The victims are identified as Sajal, Nayan Biswas, Mamun Seikh, Kazi Sajeeb and Kaisar from Rajoir upazila of Madaripur district while Rifat, Russell and Imrul Kayes Apon from the Muksudpur upazila of Gopalganj district.

The ill-fated incident took place when a boat carrying a group comprised with Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Egyptians, Syrians, and Egyptian nationals -- embarking on an unauthorized voyage from Libya to Europe -- capsized off the Tunisian coast in the early hours of February 14.

Rescue operations later recovered the bodies of the eight Bangladeshis and one Pakistani, which were sub sequently transferred to local hospitals.

The rescue team rescued 44 individuals alive while among the survivors 27 are Bangladeshi nationals.

Among the Bangladeshi victims, seven were traveling without passports, said the press release.