Diplomatic Correspondent :
The return of 309 Bangladeshi nationals from Libya once again exposes the grim reality of human trafficking and the damage it continues to inflict on country’s global image.
The group, who were living illegally in and around Tripoli after falling prey to traffickers, were brought back home under a joint initiative of the Government of Bangladesh and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The special chartered flight operated by Fly Oya International landed at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:30 am on Friday, according to Foreign Ministry.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and IOM welcomed them upon arrival.
According to government sources, most of the returnees were deceived by human traffickers who promised to send them to Europe via the Mediterranean. Many endured abduction, torture and inhumane conditions while in Libya.
Each of the repatriated migrants received food and medical aid from IOM. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged them to share their stories publicly to raise awareness and prevent others from falling victim to similar trafficking networks.
Officials said efforts are under way to bring back other Bangladeshis still detained in Libyan camps, in coordination with the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, the Libyan government and international partners.
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.
