‘Bangladeshis to be relocated if Libya situation worsens’

The government will relocate the Bangladeshi migrant workers to the neighbouring countries from Libya if the security situation of the North African country worsens further.

"Libya is going through a turmoil situation since there is internal fighting among different groups. So, we are observing the whole situation. In emergency cases, we will relocate our people to the neighbouring countries--like Tunisia," said Khandker Mosharraf Hossain, expatriates' welfare and overseas employment minister.

Talking to The Daily Star, he advised the Bangladeshi migrants to avoid conflict-zones and take mental preparation for any emergency.

The government is now thinking to relocate around 50,000 Bangladeshis working in Libya after two of its nationals' were held hostage by Islamic State militants on March 6, the minister said.

The IS militants kidnapped the two Bangladeshi nationals --  Helal Uddin from Jamalpur and Anowar Hossain from Noakhali -- with seven other foreigners from an oilfield in Libya.

The minister said the Bangladesh mission in Libya is closely working with the Libyan authorities for the rescue of the two migrants workers.

"I believe our two citizens will get released soon," the minister added.