Migrant Boat Capsize: Accused human trafficker arrested in Sylhet

Rapid Action Battalion today arrested a member of a human trafficking syndicate from Bishwanath upazila in Sylhet.

The arrestee Rafiqul Islam of Katalipara village in the upazila is accused in six cases filed following the capsize of a boat in the Mediterranean Sea on May 9 last year, said Obain Rakhaine, assistant superintendent of police and media officer of Rab-9.

A boat carrying around 80 migrants sank in the Mediterranean Sea on May 9 last year while making an illegal voyage to Italy from Libya. At least 37 Bangladeshis died, while 15 were rescued hours after being afloat in the sea.

Earlier on September 30 last year, Rafiqul's daughter Pinki Ananya Priya was arrested by Rab and is now in jail in several cases filed against her for human trafficking and money laundering.

On May 16, a case was filed with Bishwanath Police Station by Rezaul Islam Raju, a victim's brother.

Rafiqul, his daughter Pinki and son Parvez Ahmed were among the accused in the case. Later, five more cases were filed with different police stations in the country accusing Rafiqul and others in this connection.