167 additional Bangladeshis come back from Libya

A total of 167 undocumented Bangladeshi migrants have been brought back from Libya with the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). According to a press release issued by the Ministry today, 16 of the returnees had voluntarily come back from Benghazi and nearby regions, while 151 others were released from the Ganfuda Detention Centre. They arrived in Dhaka at 5:00 am on Thursday aboard a chartered Burak Air flight.

Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the IOM received the returnees at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Most of these individuals had entered Libya through illegal sea routes, intending to reach Europe, having been misled by human traffickers. During their stay in Libya, many were abducted and endured various forms of abuse.

Foreign ministry officials emphasized the need for greater public awareness to discourage others from attempting such dangerous journeys.

To support the returnees, the IOM provided Tk 6,000 in cash to each person, along with food, medical care, and temporary shelter where necessary.

The press release further stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare, the Embassy in Tripoli, and the IOM, continues its efforts to repatriate Bangladeshi nationals held in detention centres across Libya.