Of the returnees, 16 voluntarily returned from Benghazi and surrounding areas, while 151 were released from the Ganfuda Detention Centre, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The migrants arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday at 5:00 AM via a chartered flight operated by Burak Air. Upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and IOM were on hand to welcome them.
Most of the returnees had entered Libya illegally by sea, hoping to migrate to Europe after being misled and facilitated by human traffickers. During their time in Libya, many were abducted and subjected to abuse.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the public to raise awareness about the dangers of such illegal migration routes and to prevent others from taking similar perilous journeys.
In addition to providing a safe return, the IOM extended support to each returnee, offering Tk 6,000 in cash, food supplies, medical assistance, and temporary shelter if needed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, and IOM continue their efforts to ensure the safe return of Bangladeshi nationals detained in Libyan detention centers, the release stated.