Dhaka, March 28 -- At least four young men from the remote Derai Upazila of 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 into deep mourning, with families claiming the youths fell victim to human traffickers.

Three of the victims were identified as Nuruzzaman Sarder Moyna, Sajid, and Shahan -- the latter two being known only by their single names -- all hailing from Tarapasha village in Kulanj Union, while the fourth, Mujibur Rahman, is a resident of Rarnarchar village in Rajanagar Union.

"We have received reports of the deaths and are attempting to contact the families," said Derai Police chief Enamul Haque Chowdhury. "Legal ...