Twenty Bangladeshi nationals who were incarcerated in Myanmar for the past few months have been repatriated today via Bangladesh Navy Ship BNS Somudra Avijan, which departed from MITT Port in Yangon for Chattogram.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the individuals were detained by Myanmar law enforcement agencies for illegal trespassing while being trafficked to Malaysia by unscrupulous agents. 

After verifying their nationality, the Bangladesh Embassy in Myanmar arranged their return through negotiations with Myanmar authorities.

The same naval ship also carried back a 55-member Bangladesh Search and Rescue (SAR) and Medical team, who had been in Myanmar for 10 days providing humanitarian assistance to earthquake victims.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Myanmar Dr. M Monwar Hossain oversaw the repatriation process and praised the SAR team for enhancing Bangladesh’s image through their humanitarian efforts. 

He also urged citizens to be cautious when seeking overseas employment and to avoid falling for deceptive job offers.

This brings the total number of Bangladeshis repatriated from Myanmar in the last two years to 352. 

The last such repatriation occurred on September 28, 2024, when 85 individuals returned home.

BNS Somudra Avijan had arrived in Yangon on Friday carrying 120 metric tons of aid and is expected to reach Chattogram on Tuesday afternoon.

BDST: 1813 HRS, April 13, 2025
MN