Romel Mia of Narsingdi traveled to Libya, Africa, with a dream of working in a carpet company, but his dream fell short after he was captured by a hostage gang.

The group tortured Romel and demanded a ransom of Tk 12 lakh from the family.

In this situation, Romel's family members sought help from the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) in Narsingdi.

PBI later arrested the gang leader Sohel, and his cohorts Wasim Hossain and Akaris Miah, after investigating the incident. 

However, Romel returned to Bangladesh with efforts of both PBI and the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya.

PBI Narsingdi District Superintendent of Police (promoted to the post of Additional DIG) Md. Enayet Hossain Mannan said in a press briefing today (June 4) in the capital.

PBI official said on 10 April, Romel’s brother Babul and his relatives visited PBI office in Narsingdi and reported the matter.

The family members said, “If money ransom money is not provided they will cut Romel’s hand”.

Later, PBI team tracing the cell phone number of the Bangladeshi offenders at a time conducted drive in Dhaka's Dohar, Nawabganj, Kishoreganj's Bhairab and Narsingdi's Raipura Thana areas. In which Wasim Hossain and Akaris Miah was arrested.

A total of 22 SIMs including 9 mobile phones, one and a half lakhs of ransom money and Bikash SIM were seized from the arrestees.

Meanwhile, PBI found that gang leader Sohel was in Bangladesh. 

After that, On April 19, Sohail was detained by the immigration police from Hazrat Shahjalal Airport while absconding to Dubai.

Enayet Hossain Mannan said that Romel had seen 11 more Bangladeshi hostages in Libya. The matter is being investigated. 

Besides, bank accounts and extensive financial transactions obtained from the arrestees are being verified, added the officer.

BDST: 1745 HRS, JUNE 4, 2024
MSK/SMS