174 Bangladeshis return from Libya

A total of 174 undocumented Bangladeshis, who were held in various detention centres in Libya and wished to return voluntarily, were repatriated to Dhaka this morning via a Buraq Air flight.

The repatriation was made possible through the joint efforts of the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Libyan government, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), according to a foreign ministry statement.

It said most of the repatriated individuals allegedly entered Libya with the assistance and instigation of human traffickers in an attempt to make an illegal sea crossing to Europe.

Many of them were also victims of kidnapping and torture at various points during their stay in Libya.

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other concerned ministries, and the IOM welcomed the returnees at the airport.

The IOM provided each repatriated person with travel expenses, food supplies, basic medical treatment, and temporary accommodation where needed.

To raise public awareness, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested the returnees to share their harrowing experiences with the public.