A total of 174 Bangladeshi nationals, who had been held in various detention centres in Libya, returned home on Thursday. They were safely repatriated to Bangladesh on a special flight with the support of the Libyan government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
According to officials, most of the returnees had travelled to Libya irregularly in an attempt to reach Europe by sea after being lured by human traffickers. Many of them reportedly faced abduction and abuse during their time in the country.
Upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, officials from relevant ministries and the IOM received the returnees, providing assistance through the expatriates’ welfare desk.
Each returnee received Tk6,000 for transport, along with food support, primary medical care, and, where necessary, temporary accommodation arranged by IOM.
Authorities have encouraged the returnees to share their experiences to raise awareness regarding the risks of irregular migration. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to safely repatriate the remaining Bangladeshi nationals currently detained in Libya.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and IOM are working closely together on these efforts.
