Bangladeshis make up largest share on Mediterranean route to Europe
Picture: Reutres
At least 1,668 migrants died or went missing in the Mediterranean while attempting to reach Europe during the first six months of this year. According to data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the figure was 1,035 during the same period in 2025. Although the number of people heading to Europe has declined somewhat, deaths at sea have increased significantly.
The Central Mediterranean route has become the deadliest. At least 872 people have died or gone missing on this route this year. The route from North African countries, particularly Libya, through Lampedusa to Italy has long been one of the main routes for migrants heading to Europe.
Bangladeshi nationals make up the largest share of those traveling this route. According to a 2025 report by the NGO SOS Méditerranée, Bangladeshis accounted for 26 percent of migrants traveling along the Central Mediterranean route. They were followed by Eritreans at 16 percent, Sudanese at 13 percent, Pakistanis at 12 percent and Egyptians at 9 percent.
According to data from the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR, more than 26,600 people have reached Europe after departing from Libya and Tunisia since the beginning of this year. Although arrivals have declined compared with the previous year, the number of people who died or went missing has increased.
Experts say smugglers are now using longer and more dangerous routes as surveillance and controls along the coast have increased. In particular, travel from Tobruk in eastern Libya toward the Greek island of Crete has increased. This route can be three to four times longer than the conventional routes. Overcrowded and unsafe boats are making the situation even more deadly.
The IOM recorded nearly 460 deaths in January alone. However, various humanitarian organizations fear the actual death toll is even higher.
Meanwhile, various humanitarian organizations have also raised concerns about restrictions on the activities of private rescue vessels in the Mediterranean and the role of the Libyan Coast Guard. According to them, limited access to safe and effective rescue operations, combined with the increasingly dangerous routes being chosen, is making the Mediterranean crossing even more deadly for migrants.
Source: InfoMigrants
