In total, 174 undocumented Bangladeshi nationals detained at Libya’s Tajura Detention Centre have been repatriated to Bangladesh voluntarily. They arrived in Bangladesh on a Buraq Air flight at 9:47 am on Tuesday.

The repatriation was carried out through the initiatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, with the cooperation of the Libyan government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Most of the returning Bangladeshi nationals had entered Libya irregularly, intending to reach Europe by sea, often under the influence and assistance of human traffickers. Many of them reported kidnapping and abuse during their time in Libya.

Officials from the foreign affairs ministry, along with representatives from relevant ministries and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), received the returnees at the airport.

The foreign affairs ministry urged the returnees to share their distressing experiences to raise public awareness.

The IOM has provided each returnee with travel allowances, food supplies, primary medical care, and temporary accommodation if needed.