175 men to return from Libya today
Diplomatic Correspondent :
A group of 175 Bangladeshi nationals held in Libya is finally heading home this Sunday. The Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli and the International Organisation for Migration are handling the repatriation together.
Earlier this week, Ambassador Major General Abul Hasnat Muhammad Khairul Bashar visited the Tajoura Detention Centre with members of his team.
He spoke directly with the detainees, checked on their condition, and made it clear that irregular migration often pushes people into deadly situations and exposes them to traffickers.
He told them they were fortunate to have survived the sea crossing and assured them that the embassy had already completed all necessary paperwork.
With IOM’s support, the first 175 individuals will be flown back on 30 November, and the rest will follow gradually.
The ambassador urged them to share their stories when they return so others understand how dangerous irregular migration can be.
He also stressed the need for strict action against trafficking networks.
During the visit, the embassy distributed food supplies to the detainees and held a meeting with the detention centre authorities.
The ambassador thanked them for rescuing Bangladeshi nationals from the sea and for the humanitarian support they’ve provided.
He said he expects this cooperation to continue and called for stronger coordination to protect Bangladeshi migrants in the future.
On October 24, a total of 309 Bangladeshi nationals from Libya returned home after being exposed the grim reality of human trafficking.
The recurring episodes of such illegal migration have drawn concern not only for humanitarian reasons but also for their growing diplomatic and economic implications.
Meanwhile, several countries have tightened visa scrutiny for Bangladeshi passport holders, making it harder for genuine travellers and workers to obtain entry clearance after such recurrent incidents of human trafficking.
Government representatives reaffirmed Dhaka’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of migrant workers, saying Bangladesh will continue working closely with international partners to combat human trafficking and ensure the safe, dignified and voluntary return of its citizens.
However, experts warn that unless strong measures are taken against trafficking syndicates and their local collaborators, such repeated returns will continue to stain the country’s reputation and limit opportunities for law-abiding Bangladeshis abroad.
Officials emphasised the need for coordinated national campaigns to curb human trafficking, strengthen legal migration pathways, and promote skills-based training aligned with international job markets.
Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions and government agencies, including the Embassy in Tripoli, continue to work relentlessly to safely repatriate Bangladeshis held in Libyan detention centers.
However, experts warn that unless root causes-such as unemployment, misinformation, and smuggling networks-are addressed, the cycle will persist.
The recurrence of such incidents is taking place frequently despite repeated call for safe migration.