161 Bangladeshis repatriated from Libya, Tunisia

A total of 161 stranded irregular Bangladeshi migrants returned home today from Libya and Tunisia separately.

The repatriation has taken place under the joint initiative of the foreign ministry, Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a foreign ministry’s press release said here.

Among the returnees, 143 returned home from Libya in a chartered Buraq Air flight (UZ 0222), which landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) at 6:15 am this morning.

Before that 18 stranded Bangladeshi returned here from Tunisia by a Turkish Airlines flight No-TK 712 that landed at HSIA at 5.25 am.

Upon arrival, the repatriated migrants were received by the officials of the foreign ministry and IOM at the airport.

Most of the returnees had entered Libya and Tunisia illegally with the intention of reaching Europe by sea, influenced and aided by human traffickers.

Many of them had suffered abduction and abuse during their time in Libya, said the press release.

The foreign ministry’s officials urged the returnees to raise awareness within their communities about the danger of illegal migration, particularly the perilous journey to Europe via Libya.

The IOM provided Taka 5450 to individual repatriated from Tunisia and Taka 6,000 to each returnee from Libya as well as food supplies, medical assistance, and temporary accommodation, if required.

The foreign ministry along with the Bangladesh mission in Tripoli and IOM are making tirelessly stride to ensure the safe repatriation of Bangladeshi nationals detained in various detention centers across Libya. (BSS)