A total of 309 Bangladeshi migrants have returned home from Libya under a joint effort by the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, with support from the Libyan government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The returnees arrived in Bangladesh on Friday via a chartered flight, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Most had fallen victim to human traffickers promising illegal migration to Europe via the Mediterranean. Many experienced abduction and torture while in Libya.

Officials from the Foreign Ministry, other government agencies, and IOM welcomed the returnees at the airport. The ministry urged them to share their experiences to raise awareness about the risks of illegal migration.

Each returnee received food supplies and basic medical assistance from IOM. Authorities said coordinated efforts are ongoing to safely repatriate other Bangladeshis held in Libyan detention centers.