A total of 171 Bangladeshi nationals detained at the Ganfouda Detention Centre in Benghazi, Libya, were repatriated to Bangladesh early Thursday.
The returnees arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 6:22am on a Buraq Air flight, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Their return was arranged under a voluntary repatriation programme coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Libyan government, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Officials said most of the returnees had entered Libya illegally after being lured by human traffickers with promises of reaching Europe by sea.
Many of them reportedly faced abduction, torture and other forms of exploitation during their stay in Libya.
Representatives from the foreign ministry, relevant government agencies and the IOM welcomed the returnees at the airport.
The foreign ministry requested the repatriated citizens to share their experiences to raise awareness about the risks of illegal migration and human trafficking.
The IOM provided each returnee with travel assistance, food supplies, basic medical support and temporary accommodation where required.
The foreign ministry, Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the IOM are continuing efforts to ensure the safe repatriation of Bangladeshi nationals detained at various detention centres in Libya, including the Ganfouda Detention Centre in Benghazi, the statement added.
