With the joint support of the Embassy of Bangladesh in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a total of 19 irregular Bangladeshi migrants have been voluntarily repatriated from Tunisia. They arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport today at 08:40 AM on Emirates flight EK-582.
These individuals had entered Tunisia irregularly, lured by human traffickers with the false promise of reaching Europe via the perilous Mediterranean route. Many among them were subjected to abduction and torture during their stay in Tunisia.
Upon arrival, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, relevant ministries, and IOM received the returnees at the airport. The officials urged them to share their harrowing experiences with others in order to raise awareness and discourage further irregular migration through such dangerous and inhumane routes.
As part of the reintegration support, IOM provided each returnee with a cash grant of BDT 6,000, essential food items, medical assistance, and, where necessary, temporary shelter arrangements.
Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe and dignified repatriation of other Bangladeshi nationals currently held in various detention centers across Tunisia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and IOM are working closely together to this end.