A 70-year-old father, Abdus Samad, had sent Tk5 lakh at various times to mobile numbers provided by traffickers, hoping to secure a conversation with his son who is being held captive in Libya. The traffickers had promised to arrange a call once the money was paid, but they failed to keep their word. Instead, they demanded an additional Tk42 lakh as ransom, assuring the father they would secure his son's release.

Special Superintendent of Police Md. Shufiullah of the CID Media Branch confirmed this information to Prothom Alo on Friday.

According to the CID, the victim, Abdus Samad, resides in the Monmot Bipujipara village under Sundarganj upazila in Gaibandha. His son, Md.

Saiful, is 39 years old.

Two Traffickers Arrested

In connection with this incident, the CID has arrested two members of the human trafficking ring on charges of fraud. They are Md. Monowar Hossain (40) and Md. Sohel Rana (45), both from the Chandpur village under Singra upazila in Natore. They were arrested from the Singra Bazar area of Natore on Thursday afternoon.

Modus Operandi

During preliminary interrogation, the arrestees reportedly admitted that the scheme was devised solely to extort money from the victim's family. The CID is investigating whether the suspects had any actual knowledge of Saiful's real condition in Libya. Efforts are also underway to ascertain Saiful's current whereabouts and well-being.

Legal Proceedings

Preparations are underway to file cases against the arrestees under human trafficking and fraud charges. Senior CID officials have confirmed that operations will continue to identify and arrest other members of the involved ring. Necessary legal and diplomatic initiatives are also being taken to secure Saiful's rescue from Libya.