Photo: Collected

DHAKA, April 23, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 174 Bangladeshi nationals detained 
in various centres in Libya were repatriated today through a joint initiative 
involving Bangladesh authorities, the Libyan government and the International 
Organization for Migration (IOM).

The returnees, who voluntarily wished to come back home, arrived at 7:45 am 
on a Buraq Air flight, said a foreign ministry's press release here. 

The repatriation was coordinated by the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and 
Overseas Employment with support from the Libyan authorities and IOM.

Most of the returnees reportedly entered Libya illegally after being lured by 
human traffickers with promises of reaching Europe through sea routes.

Many of them allegedly suffered abduction and torture at different times 
while staying in Libya.

Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relevant ministries and IOM 
received the returnees at the airport.

The foreign ministry requested the returnees to share their distressing 
experiences to help raise public awareness against irregular migration and 
human trafficking.

IOM provided each returnee with travel expenses, food supplies, primary 
medical care and temporary accommodation where necessary.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, Ministry of 
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and IOM are continuing efforts 
to ensure the safe repatriation of Bangladeshi nationals held in Libyan 
detention centres.