52 repatriated Bangladeshis returning from Europe

A total of 52 Bangladeshis are being repatriated from Italy, Austria, Greece and Cyprus. Most of them lack valid documents. On Thursday, September 25, the first batch of 32 is expected to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a chartered flight. The return schedule for the remaining 20 has not yet been fixed.

According to Bangladesh Immigration sources, the names, addresses and passports of the returnees have been verified. They will be received at the airport, provided with financial assistance, and offered counselling services afterwards.

Their welfare and rehabilitation will be overseen by BRAC, which is working jointly with the European Union and Frontex. BRAC has stated that Bangladesh does not encourage irregular migration. Those returning will be given necessary support to ensure safe reintegration.

Earlier, since the beginning of 2024 until this September, at least 187 Bangladeshis were deported from the United States. Most of the returnees are aged between 26–40 years, with the 31–35 group being the largest. The majority hail from Madaripur, Shariatpur, Faridpur, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Munshiganj, Noakhali, Brahmanbaria and Cumilla.

According to Frontex, Bangladeshis most frequently attempt to reach Europe via Libya across the Mediterranean route. Between 2009 and 2023, at least 70,906 Bangladeshis entered Europe using this route. Journeys along this path often prove fatal; between 2015 and 2024, around 22,000 people died at sea.