Around 2,000 Bangladeshis stuck in Turkey

Around 2,000 Bangladeshis, mostly migrants from Iran, Lebanon and Jordan, got stuck in Turkey as their attempts to illegally enter Europe through the country became difficult.

Bangladesh Ambassador in Ankara Allama Siddiki fears a humanitarian crisis and slower repatriation of the stranded people. He has conveyed information on the overall situation to the ministries concerned in Dhaka.

The number of Bangladesh nationals from Middle Eastern countries, especially from Iran, Lebanon and Jordan, has been on the rise in Turkey with many hoping that they will be able to enter Europe illegally, said a PID handout yesterday quoting the Bangladesh embassy in Ankara.

Siddiki said those staying in Turkey illegally and getting released from detention centres were trying to enter Europe through sea and many of them were embracing death during such risky attempts.

He said many of the stranded Bangladeshis were losing everything being allured by human traffickers in Turkey.

“Recently, a Bangladesh national died in Istanbul,” the ambassador was quoted in the handout. He also mentioned that illegal entry to Europe is very risky.

Some Bangladeshi nationals in Turkey were getting involved in criminal activities through various organised groups, he added.

The envoy said Turkey never provides employment for illegal migrants. As a result, they get involved in low-paid risky jobs.

Referring to the existing deal between the European Union and Turkey, Siddiki said it is impossible and meaningless to try to enter Turkey and Europe illegally.

He called upon the Bangladesh nationals to be aware of the ground reality.