A total of 167 undocumented Bangladeshi migrants have been repatriated from Libya, in a coordinated effort by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Tripoli, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Among them, 16 individuals voluntarily returned from Benghazi and nearby regions, while 151 were released from the Ganfuda Detention Centre. The migrants arrived in Dhaka at 5:00 a.m. on Thursday via a chartered Burak Air flight, according to a press release issued by the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry.
The returnees were welcomed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the IOM.
Most of those repatriated had entered Libya illegally by sea, lured by human traffickers with false promises of reaching Europe. During their stay in Libya, many faced abuse, extortion, and abduction, highlighting the dangerous consequences of irregular migration.
Libya remains a key transit hub for migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean into Europe, despite the country’s fragile security and political environment. Thousands of migrants, including Bangladeshis, find themselves trapped in detention centres under harsh conditions.
The IOM provided each returnee with Tk 6,000 in cash, food assistance, medical care, and temporary shelter if required. The organisation also reiterated its commitment to supporting vulnerable migrants and ensuring their safe return and reintegration.
Officials called for greater awareness among the public to discourage illegal migration to Libya, stressing the risks involved and the increasing challenges faced by migrants.
Efforts are ongoing to secure the release and return of more Bangladeshi nationals held in various detention centres across Libya, the ministry confirmed.
