36 Bangladeshis Return Home After Detention in Libya as 174 Repatriated on Humanitarian Grounds

Thirty-six Bangladeshi nationals who had been detained in Libya after being intercepted at sea have returned home. They arrived in Dhaka at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, aboard a Buraq Air flight. A total of 174 Bangladeshis were repatriated from Libya on the same flight with humanitarian assistance.

The repatriation was arranged through the initiative of the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). According to the embassy, 41 of those who returned were physically unwell.

36 Bangladeshis Had Been Held at Tajoura Detention Centre
According to information provided by the embassy, the 36 Bangladeshis were detained at the Tajoura Detention Centre in Tripoli after being intercepted at sea.

The remaining 138 people had chosen to return voluntarily from the dangerous and precarious conditions in Tripoli.

The embassy, in cooperation with the IOM, facilitated their return to Bangladesh as part of efforts to ensure safe and humane repatriation.

Bangladesh Ambassador Warns Against Irregular Migration
Bangladesh's ambassador to Libya, Major General Md. Habib Ullah, met the returning nationals at the embassy premises. The embassy's labour counsellor and first secretary (labour) were also present.

During the meeting, the ambassador highlighted the risks and consequences of travelling abroad through irregular channels. He warned that such journeys can expose migrants to physical, psychological and financial harm, with serious consequences for their families and wider communities.

He urged the returnees to rebuild their lives in Bangladesh and to use legal migration channels if they decide to work abroad in the future. He also called for public awareness of irregular migration risks and cooperation with the relevant authorities in taking legal action against human traffickers and intermediary networks.

Repatriation Efforts Continue for Another 175 Bangladeshis
The Bangladesh Embassy said it was continuing efforts to ensure the safe and humane return of Bangladeshis detained in Libya and those who wished to return voluntarily.

As part of these efforts, arrangements were being pursued to repatriate another 175 Bangladeshis from the city of Misrata on October 28, according to the embassy.

The latest operation highlights ongoing concerns over irregular migration, detention and human trafficking risks faced by Bangladeshi nationals in Libya.