Tragic Dream of Italy Ends at Sea, Trafficker Arrested

A horrific case of human trafficking has come to light in Sirajganj, where a college student from Ullapara, Sirajganj, was allegedly murdered by traffickers while being smuggled illegally to Italy. The young man, identified as Rakib Hossain Swadhin, 23, was reportedly killed at sea, and his grieving family is now demanding justice.

The accused trafficker, Abul Kalam Azad, was handed over to police by the victim’s relatives on Saturday afternoon, 20 December. Swadhin was the son of Golam Kibria Firoz of Islampur Bhutgacha village, Borohor Union, Ullapara. Azad, a resident of Ghiyala village in Purnimagati Union of the same upazila, allegedly orchestrated the illegal journey.

Swadhin’s father recounted that Azad’s elder son, Saddam, already resides in Italy. Azad then proposed sending Swadhin along with his younger son Zakaria. After negotiations involving Azad’s sons-in-law, Yunus Ali of Bonyakandi village and Monnaf Ali of Madhyaborohor, Firoz paid Azad Tk 2.5 million. On 22 May this year, Swadhin and Zakaria departed Bangladesh for Italy via the airport.

Firoz explained that they were initially taken to Chennai, India, then sequentially to Dubai, Sri Lanka, Egypt, and finally Libya. During the journey, Azad allegedly claimed Swadhin had been arrested and demanded an additional Tk 1 million twice. Upon reaching Sri Lanka, Zakaria was separated from Swadhin.

On 12 November, traffickers attempted to send 122 people to Italy by sea from Libya in a trawler. According to Firoz, the vessel partially sank shortly after departure. The traffickers reportedly beat and killed 97 people on board, including Swadhin, before disposing of their bodies in the sea.

Seven survivors from Madaripur returned to Bangladesh on 18 December, confirming Swadhin’s death. Firoz stated that despite repeated demands, Azad never disclosed Swadhin’s body, forcing the family to spend an additional Tk 200,000–300,000 searching for him. The family eventually apprehended Azad at their home on Saturday and handed him to the authorities.

Swadhin’s mother, Nargis Khatun, tearfully recalled that her son had completed his HSC and was enrolled in a BA programme. She said Azad had lived in Italy for 15 years, and his elder son Saddam still resides there. “Swadhin and Zakaria were friends, and we trusted Azad. They murdered my son at sea; I never even got to see his body,” she said, demanding justice.

Inspector (Investigation) Rupu Kor of Ullapara Police Station confirmed that Azad has been taken into custody and is being interrogated. A case is being prepared against him.

Key Facts of the Case

This tragic incident underscores the dangers of human trafficking and the urgent need for strict enforcement against smugglers exploiting vulnerable young people seeking a better life abroad.