Photo: Collected

DHAKA, March 6, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 165 Bangladeshi nationals who had been detained or living in distress in Libya were repatriated early today through coordinated efforts of the Bangladesh government, Libyan authorities and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The returnees arrived in Dhaka at 5:30am aboard a Buraq Air flight, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Among them, 143 Bangladeshis were detained at the Ganfuda Detention Centre in Benghazi, while 22 others were distressed, helpless or physically ill nationals living in Benghazi and adjacent areas who voluntarily sought repatriation.

The repatriation was facilitated through joint efforts of the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, with cooperation from the Libyan government and the IOM.

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relevant ministries and the IOM received the returnees at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon arrival.

Most of the repatriated Bangladeshis had entered Libya irregularly after being lured by human traffickers with promises of reaching Europe by sea.

To raise public awareness about the risks of irregular migration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the returnees to share their painful experiences with others.

The IOM provided each returnee with travel allowance, food assistance, primary medical care and temporary accommodation where necessary.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it continues to work with the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and the IOM to ensure the safe repatriation of Bangladeshi nationals detained in various detention centres in Libya.