A total of 174 Bangladeshi nationals returned home from Libya early Thursday under a voluntary repatriation programme jointly implemented by the government, the Bangladesh mission in Libya and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The returnees arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 5:00am on a Buraq Air flight, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Officials said the repatriation took place with the cooperation of the Libyan government and IOM through coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.
Authorities said most of the returnees entered Libya irregularly after being lured by human traffickers with false promises of reaching Europe via sea routes.
Many of them reportedly faced abduction, torture and other forms of abuse during their stay in Libya.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relevant government agencies and IOM received the returnees at the airport.
As part of reintegration support, IOM provided each returnee with travel expenses, food assistance, primary medical care and temporary accommodation where necessary.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also urged the returnees to share their experiences to raise awareness about the risks of irregular migration and human trafficking.
Officials said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and IOM are continuing joint efforts to ensure the safe return of Bangladeshi nationals held in various detention centres in Libya.
