2 Bangladeshis freed in Libya

Two Bangladeshi migrant workers, abducted by unknown militants from a Libyan oil field on March 6, were freed yesterday.

Citing a press release of the foreign ministry, UNB reported that Bangladesh Embassy in Libya confirmed the release of Helal Uddin, 40, and Mohammad Anowar Hossain, 38, both employees of Vienna-based oil company VAOS.

They were staying at Sirte hospital, about 700 km from Tripoli, and their physical condition was normal.

The two are expected to be brought to their employer's Tripoli office today, added UNB.

Helal is from Madarganj upazila in Jamalpur and Anowar from Goyeshpur village in Noakhali.

Quoting the press release, UNB said the two Bangladeshis were released following prompt initiatives and constant efforts of the foreign ministry and the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya.

Unknown militants abducted Helal and Anowar along with seven other foreigners -- four Filipinos, an Austrian, a Czech and a Ghana national -- from the Al-Ghani oil field in Libya on March 6.

In a press statement on March 9, Bangladesh foreign ministry had said terrorist group ISIS had abducted them. But State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam later said no militant group in Libya claimed responsibility for the abduction of the two Bangladeshis.

Earlier yesterday, Helal Uddin talked to his family members in Jamalpur over the phone.

The family burst into tears of joy after knowing that he was alive.

The phone call brought an outpouring of emotion at Helal's village home in Dakkhin Gazaria.

During the four-minute conversation, Helal could not say anything about the identity of his captors or where he has been kept. But he said he was in trouble and asked the family to pray for his release.

Helal's wife Aleya Khatun said her husband told her that he along with two other Bangladeshis was held captive by an unidentified militant group.

However, the Bangladesh embassy in Tripoli could not confirm that any Bangladeshi other than Helal and Anowar had been held captive.

“It was around 10:30am. Our mobile phone was ringing. The number was unknown. I picked up and asked who the caller was,” Aleya told The Daily Star over the phone from her village home.

At first, she could not believe if the caller was indeed her husband. To verify the identity, she asked him if he was the father of Helena (elder daughter of Helal Uddin). The caller replied positively.

“I was surprised and didn't know what to say. I even forgot to ask about his health,” Aleya said.

“I am in danger. They don't beat me but give me food only once a day,” Aleya, mother of five children, quoted Helal as saying.

She said her husband mentioned that the abductors did not behave rudely with him or demand any ransom for his release.

Helal first talked to his wife and then to his daughter, Helena said.