Bangladesh's ambassador to Libya, Major General Md Habib Ullah, visited the Bir al-Ghanam detention centre on September 21, marking the first such visit by the embassy to the facility located far from the capital Tripoli, the embassy said in a statement on Wednesday.

The embassy said the visit was made possible after sustained efforts and regular engagement with Libyan authorities responsible for controlling irregular migration. The ambassador was accompanied by the embassy's labour counsellor, first secretary (labour), and officials from Libya's Department for Combating Illegal Migration.

During the visit, the ambassador met directly with Bangladeshi nationals held at the centre, inquiring about their accommodation, food and health conditions. When some detainees reported illness, he immediately raised the matter with facility authorities, ensuring a doctor's presence and stressing the need for regular medical care. The embassy also arranged Bangladeshi food for the nationals held there.

The ambassador also warned the migrants about the risks and negative consequences of irregular migration, urging them to avoid such routes in the future.

He held a separate meeting with detention centre authorities, discussing the housing, food, healthcare, and overall welfare of the detained Bangladeshis, and sought cooperation for their swift repatriation.

The embassy said it regularly visits detention centres across Libya to ensure the welfare of detained Bangladeshi nationals and facilitate their safe return. Repatriation is already under way from the Tajoura centre in Tripoli and the Ganfouda centre in Benghazi.

The embassy said it remains in constant contact with Libyan authorities and international migration agencies to arrange the return of those held at Bir al-Ghanam.