Photo : Collected

DHAKA, July 7, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 174 irregular Bangladeshi migrants 
detained in Libya returned home early today through a joint repatriation 
initiative undertaken by the Bangladesh government, Libyan authorities and 
the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The returnees, who had been detained at the Ganfuda Detention Centre in 
Benghazi and the Tajura Detention Centre in Tripoli, arrived at Hazrat 
Shahjalal International Airport this morning on a Buraq Air flight, according 
to a Foreign Ministry press release.

The repatriation was facilitated through the coordinated efforts of the 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of 
Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Libyan government and the 
International Organization for Migration.

According to the release, most of the returnees had entered Libya after being 
lured by human traffickers with promises of reaching Europe through irregular 
sea routes.

Many of them reportedly fell victim to abduction and torture at different 
times during their stay in Libya.

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' 
Welfare and Overseas Employment and the International Organization for 
Migration received the returnees at the airport.

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

The International Organization for Migration provided each returnee with 
travel assistance, food items, primary healthcare services and temporary 
accommodation where necessary.

The Foreign Ministry said it, along with the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the 
Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and the 
International Organization for Migration, will continue working together to 
ensure the safe repatriation of Bangladeshi nationals detained at different 
detention centres in Libya.