172 Bangladeshis Return Home From Libya Detention Centre

A total of 172 Bangladeshi nationals detained in Libya have been brought back to Bangladesh through a coordinated repatriation effort involving the governments of Bangladesh and Libya, with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The group arrived in Dhaka in the early hours of Thursday aboard a special flight operated by Buraq Air. The aircraft landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:18am, carrying migrants who had been held at the Ganfuda Detention Centre in Benghazi.

According to officials, the repatriation was carried out through joint efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Libya, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Libyan authorities and the IOM. The operation forms part of an ongoing initiative aimed at ensuring the safe return of Bangladeshi citizens stranded or detained abroad under difficult circumstances.

Officials said the majority of the returnees had entered Libya through irregular channels after being lured by human traffickers with promises of reaching Europe via Mediterranean migration routes. Libya has long served as a major transit point for migrants seeking entry into Europe, despite years of political instability, economic hardship and security concerns that have made such journeys highly dangerous.

Many of those repatriated reportedly endured severe hardship during their stay in Libya. Authorities said several migrants had fallen victim to kidnapping, extortion and physical abuse, experiences frequently reported by individuals who become trapped in trafficking networks operating across North Africa. Human rights organisations and international agencies have repeatedly highlighted the risks faced by migrants attempting irregular journeys through Libya, where detention, exploitation and violence remain significant concerns.

Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other relevant government agencies and the IOM were present at the airport to welcome the returnees and provide immediate assistance upon arrival. Officials also encouraged the migrants to share their experiences publicly in order to raise awareness about the dangers associated with irregular migration and human trafficking.

The IOM provided support packages to each returnee, including travel allowances, food assistance, basic medical care and temporary accommodation where required. These measures are intended to help individuals address immediate needs and begin rebuilding their lives after returning home.

Bangladesh has repeatedly warned citizens against relying on traffickers and unauthorised migration routes. Authorities have stressed that such journeys often expose migrants to exploitation, detention, violence and life-threatening conditions, while offering little guarantee of reaching their intended destination.

The latest repatriation operation underscores both the continuing challenges posed by irregular migration and the importance of international cooperation in addressing them. It also highlights the efforts being made to protect vulnerable migrants and assist those seeking a safe return home.

Government officials said work is continuing to facilitate the repatriation of other Bangladeshi nationals currently being held in detention centres across Libya. Relevant ministries, diplomatic missions and international partners remain engaged in efforts to bring stranded citizens back safely and support their reintegration into society following often traumatic experiences abroad.