Bangladeshis in fear amid Tripoli unrest

Around 10,000 Bangladeshi nationals, along with embassy officials, have been living in fear in the Libyan capital Tripoli and surrounding suburbs, as heavy fighting between government forces and armed militias has continued over the past several days.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Libya Major General AHM Khairul Bashar said he and his colleagues at the embassy have been working from their homes, and have advised all Bangladeshis in vulnerable areas to remain indoors.

The embassy has issued an advisory, urging Bangladeshi nationals not to venture outside unless in cases of emergency.

Speaking to this correspondent about the situation in the Libyan capital, Anwar Hossain, a Bangladeshi resident in Tripoli, said, "The situation is grave. Please [manage to] send us home [in Bangladesh] as soon as possible."

Quoting security sources, Al Jazeera confirmed the killing of Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, widely known as "Gheniwa", who was head of the powerful Stability Support Authority militia.

Gunfire and clashes subsequently engulfed several parts of Tripoli on Monday.

Al-Kikli was one of the capital's most influential militia leaders and had recently been involved in disputes with rival armed groups, including factions linked to the city of Misrata.

The Government of National Unity (GNU)'s internal affairs ministry urged residents to stay at home and avoid all movement, warning of further instability. Meanwhile, the education ministry suspended classes across Tripoli from Tuesday.

The GNU is Libya's provisional government, formed on March 10, 2021,to unify the country after years of political division and conflict.

Early Tuesday, the GNU's media platform announced that its defence ministry had taken full control of the city's Abu Salim neighbourhood.

Speaking to The Daily Star yesterday, Ambassador Khairul Bashar said that while Gheniwa forces had been eliminated, another militia – Rada -- had begun fighting with government forces.

On Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported that clashes had broken out between the Rada militia and the 444 Brigade, loyal to Prime Minister Abdul Hamid al-Dbeibah, in key areas of Tripoli, including the port.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Wednesday warned that the situation could "spiral out of control".

"UNSMIL reiterates its calls for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in all areas, allowing safe corridors for the evacuation of civilians trapped in intense conflict zones," the mission wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

"Attacking and damaging civilian infrastructure, physically harming civilians, and jeopardising the lives and safety of the population may constitute crimes under international law. Those responsible will be held accountable for their actions," it added.

Asked whether any Bangladeshis had suffered casualties, Ambassador Khairul said there were reports of bullets striking the rooftops of residential buildings where some Bangladeshis live. "However, as of yesterday, there were no casualties or injuries [of Bangladeshis] … We are hoping for the fighting to stop."

There are around 20,000 Bangladeshis living in Libya -- 10,000 in Tripoli and the rest in Benghazi. Benghazi, however, remains stable, he added.