A group of 176 Bangladeshi nationals is set to return home from Libya on Thursday, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya.
The repatriation, which took place with the assistance of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), includes 106 individuals who were detained at the Tajoura Detention Center in Tripoli.
The remaining 70 nationals voluntarily decided to return home from unsafe situations. Among those repatriated, 12 individuals are reported to be physically ill.
The group is expected to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday at approximately 3:00 am aboard Libyan Burak Air flight UZ222.
Ambassador Major General Abul Hasnat Muhammad Khairul Bashar, along with other embassy officials, bid farewell to the repatriated expatriates at the embassy premises and the detained migrants at the Libyan Immigration Department's reception center.
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During this time, they were provided with detailed information about the various steps and efforts made by the embassy to ensure their safe return to Bangladesh.
The ambassador urged the repatriated migrants to avoid risking their lives in the future by falling victim to the exploitation and deception of brokers and smugglers.
He also encouraged them to share their harrowing experiences with friends, family, and acquaintances to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal migration and its negative consequences.
Besides, the Ambassador called on the repatriates to take necessary legal action against the smuggling networks upon their return to Bangladesh.
He expressed heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Libyan Directorate of Immigration (DCIM), the relevant local authorities, and IOM for their full cooperation in ensuring the timely operation of the repatriation flight.
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The Bangladesh Embassy remains committed to the safe repatriation of Bangladeshi citizens detained, endangered, or trafficked in various detention centers in Libya.
The embassy has been maintaining constant communication with local authorities and IOM Libya. Since 2017, under the direct supervision of the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, 9,183 Bangladeshi citizens have been repatriated.
Besides, the embassy is preparing to send more than 300 Bangladeshi citizens back home on two more flights scheduled for 19 and 26 March 2025.
The embassy is committed to continuing its efforts for the safe return of Bangladeshi citizens detained or endangered in Libya.