9 more Bangladeshis return from Malaysia

Nine more Bangladeshis, who were rescued by the Malaysian authorities during the Southeast Asian migrant crisis in May this year, returned home today.

They arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 6:00pm by a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

The returnees are Mohammad Islam, Mohammad Azim and Rafiqul Islam of Jessore; Monowar Hossain of Jhenidah, Salim Uddin of Cox’s Bazar, Alim of Chuadanga, Ali Amzad of Sunamganj; and Mohammad Apon and Faruba of Narsingdi.

“On arrival we provided them with some snacks and transport cost to return home,” Asif Munier, spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration, told The Daily Star.

They are part of some 4,000 Bangladeshis and Rohingyas of Myanmar who were rescued by the authorities of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar from the rickety boats used by the human traffickers.

Of the total 698 Bangladeshis, who were sheltered in different camps in Malaysia, 506 have been repatriated, while repatriation of 192 others is still under process, said Shahida Sultana, first secretary of Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

“We are trying to repatriate the rest as soon as we can,” she told The Daily Star.