Dhaka, March 28 -- At least eight young men from Sunamganj are feared to have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting to reach Italy illegally.

The news of the tragedy has plunged their villages in the Derai and Jagannathpur Upazilas into deep mourning, with families claiming the youths fell victim to human traffickers.

While officials have received information regarding eight deaths, unconfirmed local reports suggest the toll could rise to 10.

"We have gathered information that eight individuals from Derai and Jagannathpur have died," said Md Azizur Rahman, inspector (DIO-1) of the Sunamganj District Police. "Locals are claiming two more are missing or dead. We are investigating all leads."

The reported victims from Derai U...