Madaripur, July 29 (V7N) - The lure of a better future in Europe has become a nightmare for many young men from Shirakha village in Madaripur Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh. Trapped in a dangerous trafficking network, they have fallen victim to abuse, extortion, and violence in Libya, leaving their families in financial ruin and emotional devastation.
 
Local sources identify Jamal Karigar, son of Alai Karigar from Shirakha village, as a central figure in this trafficking syndicate. Promising high salaries and improved living conditions, he convinces youths to undertake a risky three-hour sea journey to Italy via Libya.
 
What begins with hope quickly turns into horror. Victims are first transported through countries like the United Arab Emirates, then sent to Libya, where they are handed over to armed groups. These groups detain them in so-called “game houses” — locations notorious for systematic torture and extortion.
 
Families receive horrifying videos of their sons being beaten, chained, and abused. The goal is simple: extract more money. Unless ransom demands are met, the torture continues. Some victims have died; others are left with severe injuries and infected wounds. Entire families have sold homes and land to pay ransoms, often amounting to 15 to 20 lakh or more.
 
Hasan Hawlader, a college student from Ghunsi village, was one such victim. In 2022, his family paid Tk 13 lakh for what they believed was a sponsor visa to Italy arranged by Jamal Karigar. Once in Libya, he was sold to a militia that demanded another Tk 5 lakh in exchange for his release. His family has not heard from him since.
 
In a similar case, Mintu Hawlader left home 18 months ago in search of a better life. His family ultimately paid Tk 20 lakh to secure his survival and release after he was brutally tortured. Ruhul Sheikh from the same area reportedly died under such torture.
 
The syndicate’s victims are not limited to the young. Elderly individuals, including Shah Alam, were also subjected to abuse. In his case, Tk 12 lakh was paid after he was held captive and whipped in the Libyan desert. Mithu Das, another victim, also had to endure captivity and extortion.
 
According to locals, more than 50 young men from Shirakha Union are currently missing, believed to be trapped in Libya by the same network. Families have filed complaints, but many claim that Jamal Karigar’s political affiliations have allowed him to evade justice. Several complainants report being harassed or jailed due to false counter-cases filed by the traffickers.
 
Haidar Hawlader, father of victim Hasan, stated, “They tortured my son and took Tk 15 lakh from us. When I filed a case, Jamal filed a false case against me. I was even sent to jail.”
 
Rina Begum, Hasan’s mother, said, “We sold our land, our home—everything. Still, we haven't got our son back. We want justice for this cruelty.”
 
Sabina Begum, mother of Mintu Hawlader, added, “Jamal sold my son to Libyan mafias. Not just my son—he’s destroyed the lives of hundreds of boys. He’s taken crores in ransom from helpless families.”
 
Despite these accusations, Jamal Karigar denies all wrongdoing. “I’ve done nothing illegal,” he said. “These are false accusations. I’ve sent my own son to Italy. I’m a businessman, not a trafficker.”
 
However, police sources confirm that more than 10 cases have been filed against Jamal Karigar across different police stations. There are also allegations that he has intimidated witnesses and used legal loopholes to escape consequences.
 
Madaripur Additional Superintendent of Police Bhaskar Saha stated, “Traffickers will be brought to justice. No one is above the law.”
 
Wadia Shabab, UNO of Madaripur Sadar, confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs has compiled a list of known traffickers. “These names will be displayed in public areas across the district to alert and protect citizens,” she said.
 
The story of these victims reveals the brutal reality of international trafficking networks and the urgent need for strict legal action. If left unchecked, these syndicates will continue destroying families and futures under the false promise of a better life abroad.
 
END/SMR/SMA/