Dhaka: A total of 123 undocumented Bangladeshi nationals have been repatriated from Libya, having expressed their willingness to return home voluntarily. The returnees, primarily victims of human trafficking, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9:50 am aboard a special Buraq Air chartered flight (UZ 0222), as stated in a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the repatriation was executed under a coordinated initiative involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Tripoli, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Upon their arrival, officials from the aforementioned ministries and the IOM were present to receive the returnees.
The majority of these individuals had entered Libya illegally, misled by human traffickers with promises of passage to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. Many endured abduction and inhumane treatment during their time in Libya. Ministry officials have urged the returnees to raise awareness about the severe risks associated with illegal migration and have advised against undertaking such perilous journeys in the future.
As part of reintegration support, the IOM provided each returnee with BDT 6,000 in cash assistance, along with emergency food supplies, primary healthcare, and temporary shelter as needed. Efforts continue to facilitate the safe and dignified repatriation of other Bangladeshi nationals still held in detention centers across Libya, as highlighted in the press release.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the IOM remain actively engaged in ensuring the prompt return of these individuals.