Anwar Shahadat, New York—The United Nations has warned of a sharp rise in migrant deaths on dangerous routes in 2026. A new incident involving Bangladeshi migrants has brought the issue into sharper focus.
Nine Bangladeshis and one Sudanese national died after a migrant boat drifted in the Mediterranean for about 10 days, according to reports citing the Bangladesh Embassy in Cairo.
The boat left Tobruk, Libya, on August 3. It was carrying 42 people, including 38 Bangladeshis and four Sudanese nationals. The migrants were reportedly heading toward Greece.
The boat did not have a proper navigation system. It later ran out of fuel and lost its way. The passengers remained at sea for about 10 days.
The survivors faced extreme heat and a severe shortage of food and water. Nine Bangladeshis and one Sudanese national became sick and died, according to the initial information provided by the Bangladesh Embassy. Their bodies were later thrown into the sea as they began to decompose.
Egyptian authorities rescued 29 Bangladeshis after the boat reached the coast near Marsa Matruh. Eighteen of them were reportedly in serious condition and were taken to a hospital.
The Bangladesh Embassy in Cairo has remained in contact with Egyptian authorities and the hospital. It is also monitoring the condition of the survivors and providing consular assistance. The survivors are expected to be repatriated after completing the required procedures in Egypt.
The incident comes as the UN reports a broader increase in migrant deaths. The Mediterranean remains one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes.
For Bangladesh, the issue is particularly relevant. Many Bangladeshis travel abroad in search of employment and better opportunities. Some also attempt dangerous irregular journeys to reach Europe.
The latest incident shows the human cost of such journeys. It also highlights the risks faced by migrants who depend on traffickers and unsafe boats to cross the Mediterranean.
The UN’s latest findings and the deaths of the Bangladeshi migrants point to a continuing humanitarian concern. Safer migration routes and stronger action against trafficking remain important to prevent further loss of life.
