Migrant boat capsize: Body of a Bangladeshi recovered

The body of one of the eight Bangladeshi migrants feared missing after a boat from Italy to Libya capsized in the Mediterranean has been found while two others are believed to be alive, their family members said.

The deceased is Masud Rana, 22, from Narsingdi's Belabo upazila, his uncle Nurul Islam confirmed.

Those believed to be alive are Monir Hossain, 22, and Rabiul Islam, 33, of the same upazila.

However, Masud's family could not tell where his body was found, while Monir's family does not know where he is staying at the moment.

Rabiul is believed to be in Tripoli.

There was, however, no official confirmation from the government offices concerned in Bangladesh.

According to media reports quoting survivors, the boat, carrying at least 41 migrant workers, sank off the coast of Tunisia last week.

Eight people from Narsingdi's Belabo went missing after the accident, their family members claimed.

The eight left Bangladesh in phases about five to six months ago with the help of one Zakir Hossain, a local manpower broker, who was paid Tk 10-12 lakh for each.

Deceased Masud is a cousin of Zakir.

Speaking to The Daily Star yesterday, Masud's uncle Nurul said, "Zakir himself contacted me today [Sunday] over imo [an instant messaging app]. He said that Masud's body was found floating in the sea.

"But he couldn't elaborate. We don't know where [in the sea] and when the body was found. We don't know how we will bring the body back to Bangladesh. Zakir just told us to be patient and he will arrange everything to bring the body back to home."

Meanwhile, family members of Monir Hossain, who is believed to be alive, also said that they don't know where he was at the moment.

"A man from Libya contacted Ashraf [a local union parishad member] over imo. He said that my brother is still alive," said Lutfa Begum, elder sister of Monir.

"But we still have not been able to contact my brother."

Contacted, Ashraful Islam, member of a Narayanpur Union Parishad under the upazila, said, "My brother-in-law Aman was also on that boat. He called me over imo today [Sunday] and told me that he and Monir are alive. But I don't know where they are staying."

Aman Miah, 21, was found and rescued shortly after the capsize and was not one of the eight missing Bangladeshis.

Abdul Quader, brother of Rabiul Islam, also believed to be alive, said, "He [Rabiul] called me over the phone from a Libyan number around 11:00am today [Sunday] and said he was able to swim ashore. As far as I know, he is staying somewhere in Libya's Tripoli."