Bangladesh has repatriated 105 stranded citizens from war-torn Lebanon.

These individuals, who had been seeking to return home voluntarily, arrived on Thursday at 11:00 pm via Emirates Airlines flight EK-584, with the entire cost covered by the government, according to a press release on Friday.

Despite ceasefire Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon continue

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Bangladesh Embassy in Beirut, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) collaborated to facilitate this operation. Officials ensured a seamless return for the group, marking another step in the government’s ongoing efforts to assist citizens impacted by the conflict, it said.

Earlier this week, the government also brought back 40 individuals on December 3 and 64 individuals on December 4. This latest flight brings the total number of repatriated Bangladeshis from Lebanon to 963 across 15 flights.

Displaced people return to south Lebanon as ceasefire appears to hold

Upon arrival at the airport, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and IOM welcomed the returnees. IOM provided each individual with Tk 5,000 as pocket money, food items, and basic medical assistance.

Ministry officials also spoke with the returnees to learn about their experiences during the conflict and offer support. Tragically, one Bangladeshi has been reported killed in a bombing in Lebanon.

The government remains committed to repatriating all Bangladeshi expatriates willing to return from Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict. The Bangladesh Embassy in Beirut continues to work tirelessly to ensure the safe return of those desiring repatriation and to guarantee the safety of those choosing to stay, added the release.