A group of 145 undocumented Bangladeshi nationals, who wanted to voluntarily return home from Libya, arrived in Dhaka early Thursday. They arrived by a chartered flight of Buraq Air (UZ0222) at 5:30 am following a joint effort by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, Libya and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Most of them entered Libya facilitated by human traffickers, with the intention of illegally traveling to Europe via the sea route. They were victims of kidnapping and torture at different times in Libya, according to the foreign ministry. The government urged everyone to remain aware of this so that no one goes to Libya illegally. After arrival, the returnees were received by ministry officials and the International Organization for Migration at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. IOM provided each repatriated person from Libya with Tk 6000, and some food items. 23 bodies washed up on Libya's shores believed to be of Bangladeshis: Ambassador They will be provided treatment and temporary accommodation if necessary. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are working together to arrange for the safe repatriation of Bangladeshi citizens detained in various detention centers in Libya. Meanwhile, several batches of undocumented Bangladeshis returned home from the country.

The Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia has announced an extension of the Migrant Repatriation Programme for undocumented Bangladeshi nationals, allowing them to return home under revised provisions set by the Malaysian government. For those who registered online with Malaysian immigration to return home by the December 31, 2024 deadline but were unable to do so for various reasons, the repatriation program has been extended until March 21, 2025, the High Commission said in a notification on Tuesday. Bangladesh seeks balanced trade with Malaysia: Commerce Adviser This extension applies to undocumented Bangladeshi migrants, alongside those from other relevant countries. Previously, undocumented Bangladeshi migrants were required to pay fines to Malaysian immigration authorities based on the length of their stay in the country before availing the opportunity to return home. Under a decision by the Malaysian government, from March 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, irregular migrants were allowed to return by paying a maximum fine of 500 Malaysian Ringgit, irrespective of their duration of stay.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said Bangladesh will extend its highest possible support to the Maldives in fighting the adverse impacts of global warming.