Another 183 Bangladeshis return from Lebanon

An additional 183 Bangladeshi nationals have been brought back from Lebanon amid the country's ongoing conflict with Israel.

Thirty-two 32 individuals arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11pm on Tuesday from Beirut on an Emirates flight, coordinated by the Bangladesh embassy in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, another 151 Bangladeshis returned on a chartered flight facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Upon arrival, these returning expatriates were welcomed at the airport by the secretary of the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry and the IOM’s acting head in Bangladesh.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a total of 370 Bangladeshis have been repatriated from Lebanon at government expense, with an additional 151 sponsored by the IOM.

The IOM has provided each repatriated individual with Tk5,000, some food supplies, and basic medical care.

In recent phases, on October 21, 54 individuals were repatriated, followed by 96 on October 23 across two flights, 30 on October 28, 36 on October 29, 52 on Thursday, and 70 on Sunday.

Secretary Md Ruhul Amin said: “We are bringing back all those willing to return. The situation there is not suitable for living as a war is ongoing. So far 1,800 individuals have registered with the embassy to return.”

“We have also provided $46,000 for the support of displaced expatriates and are covering flight costs to ensure their safe return,” he added.

He further said: “If the conflict ends and employers are willing to take back those who lost their jobs, we will provide assistance.”

The Bangladesh embassy in Beirut said it is making every effort to safely repatriate those who wish to return and to ensure the security of those who prefer to stay.