Photo: Collected

DHAKA, June 2, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 174 more Bangladeshi migrants were 
repatriated from Libya today through a joint initiative of the Bangladesh 
government, Libyan authorities and the International Organization for 
Migration (IOM).

The returnees arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) at 
5:10am aboard a Buraq Air flight (UZ-0222) from Tripoli, according to a 
foreign ministry's press release here.

The repatriation was facilitated through coordinated efforts of the 
Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of 
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Government of Libya and the 
IOM.

Most of the returnees had reportedly entered Libya irregularly with the 
assistance of human traffickers while attempting to reach Europe through sea 
routes.

Many of them allegedly became victims of abduction, exploitation and various 
forms of abuse during their stay in the North African country, said the 
release. 

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relevant government agencies 
and the IOM received the returnees at the airport upon their arrival.

As part of efforts to raise awareness about the risks of irregular migration, 
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the returnees to share their 
experiences with the public.

The IOM provided each repatriated migrant with travel assistance, food 
supplies, primary healthcare services and temporary accommodation where 
required.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the 
Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and the IOM are 
continuing their joint efforts to ensure the safe return of Bangladeshi 
nationals currently held in various detention centres across Libya.