TBM Report
In a significant humanitarian effort, 165 Bangladeshi nationals who were stranded or held in various detention centers in Libya arrived safely in Dhaka early Friday morning. The repatriation was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare, with the support of the Libyan government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The group landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:30 AM on March 6, 2026, via a chartered Burraq Air flight.
Among those returned, 143 individuals were previously held at the Ganfouda Detention Center in Benghazi, while the remaining 22 were vulnerable and physically ill citizens residing in nearby areas. Most of these individuals were victims of human trafficking, having been lured by the false promise of reaching Europe via the treacherous Mediterranean Sea route. Reports suggest that many of them faced horrific conditions, including abduction and physical abuse by traffickers during their stay in Libya.
Upon arrival, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the IOM welcomed the returnees. The IOM provided each individual with immediate medical assistance, food, and financial support for their journey home. The Ministry urged the returnees to share their harrowing experiences with their communities to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal migration. This move aims to prevent others from falling into the traps set by ruthless traffickers who exploit dreams of a better life abroad.
The Bangladesh government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safe return of all its citizens currently detained in Libya. Ongoing collaborations between the Bangladesh Embassy, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare, and international agencies continue to identify and process those wishing to return voluntarily. Authorities emphasize that while repatriation is crucial, the long-term solution lies in robust public awareness and stricter actions against the criminal syndicates involved in human smuggling.
