One of two Bangladesh nationals captured by Islamic State militants in Libya returns

Helal Uddin, one of the two Bangladeshis freed by Islamic State (IS) militants in Libya, has returned home.

Helal, of South Gajaria village in Jamalpur’s Madarganj, landed at the Shahjalal International Airport around 5pm on Monday.
 
His daughter ‘Helena’ told reporters: “My father called us after landing at the airport. He has left for home.”
 
The family, relatives and locals were in a ‘festive mood’ on learning that Helal was coming back.
 
Helal and Anowar Hossain of Noakhali, along with seven other foreigners, were taken hostage on Mar 6 when gunmen invaded Al-Ghani oil field south of Libya’s Sirte city, 700 kilometres from capital Tripoli.
 
The two Bangladeshis were freed on Mar 24.
 
Evacuation on in Yemen
 
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam said Bangladeshis stranded because of the war in Yemen were being evacuated.
 

He wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday afternoon: “An Indian ship has rescued three Bangladeshis from Al Hidaya near Sana'a. They are now staying at Djibouti.”

The junior minister, who is on a visit to Oman, said in another Facebook status on Sunday night: “Arrangement is being taken to send a plane to Sana’a. Biman is taking necessary measures in this regard.”

He said on Monday, 14 Bangladeshis were found in Al Mukalla in Yemen.

According to a government estimate, 1,500-3,000 Bangladeshis were in Yemen before the war began.

The junior minister said Oman had permitted Bangladeshis to cross into its territory through borders to flee the war.

“We hope at least 100 Bangladeshis will be evacuated from Al Hidiaya on Tuesday by the Indian Navy,” he added.