Anxiety mounts for families as no sign of survivors a week after Malaysia-bound trawler capsise
The vessel carrying about 250 people left from Teknaf and sank near the Andaman Islands amid heavy winds, rough seas and overcrowded conditions
Families remain worried as a Malaysia-bound fishing trawler capsized in the Andaman Sea last week and almost all of the passengers still remain missing.
The vessel carrying about 250 people left from Teknaf and sank near the Andaman Islands amid heavy winds, rough seas and overcrowded conditions.
The incident came to light after nine survivors were rescued from the sea on 9 April, while the others still remain missing.
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Relatives of the missing victims expressed concern and urged authorities to take necessary steps.
Mohsena Begum, mother of a person who was on the trawler, said, "The last time I spoke to my son was after he boarded the trawler. He told me not to worry and promised to call back once he reached."
"He hasn't called yet. Now I can only wait, hoping my son will return," Mohsena added.
Gias Uddin, a resident of Pekua of Cox's Bazar, said, "My brother was on that trawler. We still have no news of him. My mother has fallen ill from constant crying."
Shahidul Islam, another guardian, said, "My son was the only breadwinner of the family. He left in search of a better life. Now there is no news of him."
"How are we supposed to survive?" he asked.
According to local representatives, an organised international human trafficking network is involved in the incident.
They alleged that the network lure poor and desperate people with promises of a better life and send them on dangerous sea journeys.
Rajakhali UP member Nezam Uddin Nezu said, "We are standing by the families of the missing."
He also demanded that the traffickers be brought under the law swiftly.
Pekua Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khairul Alam said, "Higher officials of the administration continue to investigate the matter."
Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Md Mizanur Rahman stated that the protracted Rohingya crisis has increased despair among people, pushing them towards such risky paths.
International organisations have also expressed deep concern, noting that displacement, poverty, lack of employment, and insecurity are driving people into such deadly traps.
In a joint statement, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and International Organization for Migration (IOM) said they were deeply saddened by the capsize.
The agencies described the incident as a stark reminder of the risks faced by Rohingya refugees and other vulnerable groups undertaking perilous sea journeys.
