Global Spotlight on Bangladesh’s Migration Crisis

By: Tuhin Sarwar

Lead: Context and Overview

October 2025 drew global attention to the Bangladesh irregular migration crisis, revealing the intersection of data-driven insights and human suffering. On 10 October, Frontex confirmed a 22% decline in EU irregular crossings during the first nine months of 2025, yet the Central Mediterranean route remained active, with Bangladeshi nationals among the most frequently observed irregular migrants.

Amid these statistics, distressing reports emerged from Libya: 108 Bangladeshi youths detained near Banqina prison reportedly received only 70 grams of food per day amid severe water scarcity, according to Jugantor.

By 24 October 2025, 309 Bangladeshis were repatriated via a special charter flight, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli. These incidents highlight a systemic trafficking-and-ransom model exploiting the vulnerabilities of aspiring migrants.

Repatriation and Return Operations

The repatriation of Bangladeshi nationals from Libya in October 2025 occurred in multiple phases:

24 October 2025: 309 Bangladeshis returned to Dhaka via a charter flight coordinated by IOM and the Bangladesh government (BSS).

28 October 2025: A separate mission repatriated 174 additional nationals (The Business Standard).

These operations required coordination among the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IOM, and Libyan authorities. Most returnees initially traveled to Libya under the promise of onward passage to Europe, but became victims of kidnapping, extortion, and physical abuse.

Families reported paying ransoms up to 12 lakh Taka to secure the release of relatives, highlighting the high economic cost and human suffering involved.

Detention and Captivity Reports

Local reports provide insight into detention conditions in Libya:

On 10 October 2025, detainees Laden Päda and Akash sent notes claiming that 108 Bangladeshi youths, including 70 from Gaurandi, survived on only 70 grams of food daily with severe water shortages (Jugantor).

16 October: Following a video message from released detainee Mehedi Hasan, families protested at the residence of alleged trafficker Zakir Molla.

Traffickers reportedly maintain control by fear, selectively releasing detainees to perpetuate ransom cycles.

While these accounts are primarily from local sources, they provide critical narrative context for the human impact of irregular migration.

Frontex and EU Border Trends

Frontex data offers a quantitative backdrop:

Q1 2025: Detections at EU external borders fell 31% (~33,600) (Frontex).

H1 2025: Irregular crossings dropped 20% to 75,900, with the Central Mediterranean route accounting for ~39% of arrivals. Bangladesh, Egypt, and Afghanistan were the top nationalities.

First 7 months 2025: Total crossings declined 18% (~95,200).

Despite overall reductions, the Central Mediterranean corridor remains high-risk, exposing Bangladeshi migrants to exploitation and abuse.

Italy’s Enforcement and Legal Framework

October 2025 saw Italy intensify measures to curb illegal entry:

The government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, continued efforts to prevent unauthorized entry by any means.

Repatriation of 309 Bangladeshis highlights enhanced deportation coordination.

Migrants face vulnerabilities, including rejected asylum claims, failure to appeal, and deportation for minor procedural issues.

Italy enforces the 2017 EU–Bangladesh agreement rigorously, serving as a legal basis for returns.

This demonstrates that legal frameworks and enforcement practices significantly influence migrant mobility and risk.

Institutional Weaknesses in Bangladesh

Structural gaps persist despite legislation:

Human Trafficking Prevention & Suppression Act 2012 mandates severe penalties for organized trafficking, including life imprisonment or death.

Local authorities often remain passive or claim “no complaint filed”, particularly in rural districts.

Traffickers maintain control by instilling fear, discouraging reporting.

Weak enforcement, judicial delays, and inadequate witness protection exacerbate vulnerabilities, allowing trafficking networks to thrive.

Welfare, Trauma, and Reintegration

Returning migrants face long-term challenges:

IOM assistance includes travel allowances, food, and basic medical support, yet psychological trauma remains largely unaddressed.

Effective reintegration demands mental health services, vocational training, and peer-support networks to reduce stigma and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

Recommendations and Strategic Interventions

Full enforcement of anti-trafficking law

Expedite asset forfeiture and prosecute key traffickers.

Strengthen victim protection Ensure anonymity, safe reporting channels, and mobile legal clinics.

Psychosocial rehabilitation

Establish regional care centers, vocational programs, and peer-support networks.

International cooperation

MoUs with Libya, Italy, and transit states for joint investigations and evidence sharing.

Migration awareness and legal literacy

Inform prospective migrants about asylum procedures, appeal deadlines, and legal pathways to discourage exploitation.

Transparency and independent oversight

Invite UN, EU, and civil society audits for detention, repatriation, and trafficking investigations.

Conclusion: Breaking the Cycle of Impunity

October 2025 exposes a trafficking ecosystem thriving in systemic gaps. The Central Mediterranean corridor remains perilous, driven not by voluntary choice but by economic desperation, institutional failure, and ruthless extortion.

Unless Bangladesh and its international partners enforce laws, protect migrant rights, and enhance transparency, the cycle of detention, ransom, and abuse will persist.

Sources: Frontex, BSS, The Business Standard, Jugantor

By: Tuhin Sarwar, internationally recognized investigative journalist, The Today Media Agency, Dhaka, Bangladesh