176 Bangladeshis to Return Home from Libya on Thursday

A group of 176 Bangladeshi nationals is scheduled to return to Bangladesh from Libya on Thursday, as confirmed by the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya. This repatriation operation, supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), involves 106 individuals who were previously detained at the Tajoura Detention Center in Tripoli, while the remaining 70 nationals chose to return voluntarily from unsafe conditions.

Among those being repatriated, 12 individuals are reported to be in poor health. The group is expected to arrive in Dhaka at approximately 3:00 AM on Thursday aboard Libyan Burak Air flight UZ222.

Bangladesh's Ambassador to Libya, Major General Abul Hasnat Muhammad Khairul Bashar, along with other embassy officials, bid farewell to the repatriates at both the embassy premises and the Libyan Immigration Department’s reception center. During the farewell, the ambassador shared vital information on the steps taken by the embassy to ensure the safe return of the nationals.

The ambassador emphasized the importance of avoiding future risks associated with illegal migration, urging the repatriates to steer clear of brokers and smugglers. He encouraged them to share their experiences with family and friends to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal migration and its consequences. Additionally, he called for the repatriates to take legal action against the smuggling networks upon their return to Bangladesh.

In his remarks, the ambassador expressed sincere gratitude to the Libyan Directorate of Immigration (DCIM), local authorities, and IOM for their cooperation in facilitating the timely repatriation.

Since 2017, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya has successfully repatriated 9,183 Bangladeshi citizens, with continued efforts to support the safe return of detained or trafficked citizens. The embassy is also preparing for two more repatriation flights scheduled for March 19 and March 26, 2025.

The Bangladesh Embassy remains committed to ensuring the safe repatriation of Bangladeshi citizens who find themselves in dangerous or exploitative situations in Libya.