158 more irregular Bangladeshi migrants repatriated from Libya

A total of 158 irregular Bangladeshi migrants from Libya were repatriated early this morning (17 June) with joint support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Tripoli, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The returnees, previously detained at the Tajoura Detention Center in Libya, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:48am on a chartered Buraq Air flight, according to a press release from the foreign ministry.

According to the release, most of the repatriated individuals entered Libya illegally through human traffickers, lured in by promises of reaching Europe via the perilous Mediterranean route. Many of them were victims of abduction and torture during their stay in Libya.

Speaking at the reception, foreign ministry officials urged the returnees to raise awareness so that others do not take such life-threatening journeys in the future.

Each repatriated migrant received Tk6,000 in cash, food assistance, medical support, and temporary shelter arrangements from the IOM as part of its reintegration support.

Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of more Bangladeshis currently detained in various Libyan detention centres, the release added.