172 Bangladeshis Repatriated From Libya Detention Centre

A total of 172 Bangladeshi nationals detained in Libya have been repatriated to Bangladesh in a coordinated humanitarian operation involving the governments of Bangladesh and Libya, along with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The returnees arrived in Dhaka in the early hours of Thursday aboard a special flight operated by Buraq Air. The aircraft landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:18am, bringing home a group of migrants who had been held at the Ganfuda Detention Centre in Benghazi.

According to officials, the repatriation was facilitated through joint efforts by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Libyan authorities and the IOM. The operation forms part of an ongoing initiative aimed at ensuring the safe return of Bangladeshi citizens stranded or detained in Libya under difficult circumstances.

Most of those repatriated are believed to have travelled to Libya irregularly after being persuaded by human trafficking networks that promised opportunities to reach Europe through dangerous Mediterranean migration routes. Libya has long been a major transit point for migrants from Asia and Africa seeking entry into Europe, despite persistent instability and security challenges within the country.

Officials said many of the returnees had endured significant hardship during their time in Libya. Several reportedly fell victim to kidnapping, extortion and various forms of abuse after arriving in the North African nation. Such incidents have frequently been reported by migrants who become trapped in the hands of traffickers and criminal groups operating along irregular migration routes.

Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other relevant government agencies and the IOM were present at the airport to receive the returnees upon their arrival. Officials welcomed them back and provided immediate assistance as they began the process of reintegrating into their communities.

In an effort to raise public awareness about the dangers of irregular migration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs encouraged the returnees to share their experiences with others. Authorities hope that first-hand accounts of the risks associated with illegal migration and human trafficking will discourage prospective migrants from undertaking similarly hazardous journeys.

The IOM also provided support packages to each returnee. These included travel allowances, food assistance, basic medical care and, where necessary, temporary accommodation. Such measures are intended to help individuals address immediate needs following their return and ease their transition back into normal life.

Bangladesh has repeatedly warned citizens against relying on human traffickers who promise employment or passage to Europe through unauthorised routes. Government officials have emphasised that these journeys often expose migrants to exploitation, detention, violence and life-threatening conditions.

The latest repatriation highlights the continuing challenges posed by irregular migration and human trafficking. At the same time, it reflects the ongoing cooperation between Bangladesh, international organisations and foreign governments to assist vulnerable migrants and facilitate their safe return home.

Authorities said efforts will continue to secure the repatriation of other Bangladeshi nationals currently held in detention centres across Libya. Relevant ministries, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya and the IOM remain engaged in coordinating future operations aimed at bringing stranded citizens back safely and providing them with the support needed to rebuild their lives after often traumatic experiences abroad.