Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, April 11, 2025 (BSS) - Another 167 undocumented Bangladeshi migrants have been repatriated from Libya with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Tripoli, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Among the returnees, 16 individuals voluntarily returned from Benghazi and surrounding areas, while 151 were released from the Ganfuda Detention Centre, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

They arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday at 5:00 am via a chartered flight operated by Burak Air, the press release added.

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the International Organization for Migration welcomed the returnees at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.

Most of the returnees had entered Libya illegally by sea, intending to migrate to Europe after being misled and facilitated by human traffickers. 

Many of them were abducted and subjected to abuse at different times during their stay in Libya.

Foreign ministry officials urged all concerned to raise awareness and ensure that no one else takes such perilous routes to enter Libya illegally.

The International Organization for Migration provided each returnee with Tk 6,000 in cash, along with food supplies, medical assistance, and temporary shelter if needed.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Tripoli, and the IOM are working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of Bangladeshis detained in various detention centres across Libya, the release said.