Dhaka, March 29 -- The courtyard of Akhi Begum's home in Jagannathpur is a scene of unrelenting grief.

Her son Naim Mia is among 12 Sunamganj youths confirmed dead while trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean.

"The broker threw my son into the sea and killed him! Bring him back! I want justice," Akhi screamed, her wails echoing as relatives stood by in silent despair.

Naim's father Dolon Mia said he had paid a local broker, Azizul Islam, Tk 1.3 million for passage to Greece through Libya.

Once in Libya, the traffickers, he alleged, held Naim hostage, demanding another Tk 500,000.

The victims reportedly perished from starvation and dehydration on a boat that set sail on Mar 21, their bodies cast into the sea.

The tragedy surfac...