On Thursday, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced that it had facilitated the repatriation of 150 stranded Bangladeshi migrants from Libya.
In a statement, the IOM said that repatriation was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, as part of ongoing efforts to bring home migrants caught in dangerous and illegal migration routes.
The migrants arrived in Dhaka aboard a chartered Buraq Air flight (UZ 0222) that landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Upon their arrival, they were received by officials from the foreign ministry and the IOM, who provided assistance.
Most of the returnees had entered Libya illegally to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea, often misled by human traffickers. During their time in Libya, many were subjected to abduction and abuse, further highlighting the dangers of irregular migration. The Bangladeshi government urged the returnees to raise awareness in their communities about the risks of such perilous journeys.
Libya has long been a transit hub for migrants from Africa and Asia seeking to reach Europe. Thousands of Bangladeshi nationals have made the dangerous journey through Libya, often lured by promises of a better life in Europe. Unfortunately, many of these individuals find themselves stranded, trapped in conflict-ridden Libya without legal documentation or support.
Libya’s instability has made it a breeding ground for human traffickers who exploit vulnerable migrants. Many migrants are detained in harsh conditions, facing abuse and violence. The international community, including the IOM, has been working to rescue and repatriate these stranded individuals.
Upon their return, the IOM provided each of the 150 repatriated migrants with a cash grant of 6,000 Bangladeshi Taka (approximately $55), food supplies, medical assistance, and temporary accommodation for those who needed it. This support is aimed at helping the migrants reintegrate into society after their difficult experiences abroad.
The Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, along with the IOM, continues to work tirelessly to secure the safe return of more Bangladeshi nationals currently detained in various facilities across Libya.
Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has been plagued by internal conflict and political instability, making it a hotspot for human trafficking and illegal migration. The country’s porous borders and proximity to Europe have attracted migrants seeking to escape poverty and conflict in their home countries, including Bangladesh.
