Bangladesh Embassy in Rome remains active following tragic death of seven reported Bangladeshis
Oru Leonard
On receiving the information of the tragic incident on 25 January 2022 causing death of seven Bangladesh nationals due to hypothermia (prolonged exposures to extreme cold temperatures), Bangladesh Embassy in Rome has said the Embassy headed by His Excellency Shameem Ahsan has been keeping constant touch with the relevant Italian authorities including two Honorary Consuls General of Bangladesh to Catania and Palermo to gather actual information and for taking appropriate measures from the Bangladesh side.
A press release made available to News Dot Africa stated, “A two-member team led by Mr. Md. Arfanul Hoque, Counsellor (Labour Welfare), accompanied by an Italian-knowing official, reached Lampedusa island, Italy on the next day (26 January 2022) of the tragedy in which seven would-be Bangladeshi migrants died of hypothermia (prolonged exposures to extreme cold temperatures).
“The Labour Counsellor met Deputy Mayor of Lampedusa Mr. Prestipino Salvatore (Mayor was outside the station) on 27 January 2022. During the meeting, both sides discussed the tragic incident and possible strategies/arrangements to prevent it in future and on closer coordination between Italian side and the Embassy. He also met senior officials of the Coast Guard (Corpo delle capitanerie di porto – Guardia Costiera) today (28 Janauary 2022).
“Seven dead bodies of reported Bangladesh nationals have already been sent to Agrigento (a place in Sicily) to be kept in the mortuary till repatriation/burial. Discussion is on about procedural formalities for burial or repatriation to Bangladesh.”
The Embassy said visiting dead bodies need court permission which is in progress but may take some time due to procedural matters. The Officer met and talked with some survivors who have been shifted to various locations/ admission centres.
“Italian sources primarily confirmed that 273 out of 287 total migrants on board are from Bangladesh, 7 out of which died and the rest are Egyptian nationals.
“While the Embassy urges all concerned not to be trapped by the unscrupulous traffickers, it expresses its sincere condolences for the victims and deep sympathy to their families and remains in close touch with the concerned authorities in Italy for next appropriate action”, the release explained.
