170 Bangladeshis return home from Libya
The returnees arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka from Benghazi on a Buraq Air flight at around 5am on Tuesday
ATT Correspondent 
A total of 170 Bangladeshi nationals returned home from Libya on Tuesday as authorities renewed warnings against human trafficking and irregular migration through dangerous sea routes to Europe.
The returnees arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka from Benghazi on a Buraq Air flight at around 5am, according to a press release issued by the foreign ministry, reports state news agency BSS.
The repatriation was carried out with support from the Libyan government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through coordinated efforts by the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.
Officials said most of the returnees had travelled illegally to Libya after being lured by traffickers with false promises of reaching Europe by sea. Many reportedly endured abduction, torture and inhumane conditions during their stay in the North African country.
Representatives from the foreign ministry, other government agencies and the IOM received the returnees at the airport.
The foreign ministry urged the returnees to share their experiences to help raise public awareness about the dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking networks.
The IOM provided the returnees with food assistance, travel allowances, primary medical support and temporary accommodation where necessary.
Authorities said joint efforts are continuing to ensure the safe return of more Bangladeshi nationals currently being held in detention centres across Libya.
