Dhaka: A total of 170 Bangladeshi migrants returned home from Libya today under a coordinated repatriation initiative involving the Bangladesh government, Libyan authorities, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The repatriated Bangladeshis arrived in Dhaka from Benghazi this morning on a Buraq Air flight, according to a press release from the Foreign Ministry.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, most of the returnees had traveled illegally to Libya with the assistance of human traffickers. Their ultimate goal was to migrate to Europe by sea. However, during their stay in Libya, they became victims of abduction, torture, and various forms of abuse. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relevant government agencies, and the IOM were present at the airport to receive the returnees.
The Foreign Ministry has urged the repatriated migrants to share their painful experiences publicly. This initiative aims to raise awareness and discourage others from taking dangerous and irregular migration routes. In addition, the IOM has provided the returnees with travel assistance, food, primary healthcare support, and temporary accommodation where necessary.