The Libyan Navy rescued 82 migrants and recovered at least 15 bodies following the capsizing of a boat carrying 121 people near the Libyan coast on December 18. 

Among those identified, 32 migrants, including 8 deceased, have been confirmed as Bangladeshi nationals.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam disclosed the information during a weekly briefing on Tuesday (December 24).

The identification was carried out by the Bangladeshi Embassy in Tripoli in coordination with Libyan authorities and the Red Crescent. 

Survivors are currently being sheltered in Zawiya, 80 kilometers west of Tripoli, while the bodies of the deceased are being kept at Zawiya Hospital under the supervision of public prosecutors.

Efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased and locate the missing. Embassy officials are seeking permission to meet the survivors to gather further details, the spokesperson added.

The Foreign Ministry remains in constant communication with the Bangladeshi Embassy to monitor the situation and provide necessary support, the official also said.

BDST: 1805 HRS, DEC 24, 2024
MSK/SMS