Dhaka: Four Bangladeshi nationals returned home from Algeria on Thursday after being arrested by Algerian police for illegal stay without valid visas and work permits.

According to United News of Bangladesh, a total of 14 Bangladeshis were detained by the Algerian police on January 13, 2025, most of whom had entered the country illegally through human traffickers. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Algiers reported that upon notification by the Algerian authorities, the Bangladesh mission promptly contacted the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities.

With financial support from the government of Bangladesh, the embassy appointed a lawyer to assist the Bangladeshi detainees in the judicial process. The embassy has been actively following up on the matter, participating in court hearings and conducting jail visits. On June 30, 2026, the court ruled to release four individuals from custody.

The embassy stated that it remains fully engaged with the relevant host authorities to secure the earliest possible release of the remaining 10 Bangladeshi detainees and ensure their safe repatriation to Bangladesh. It also keeps the families of the detainees regularly informed about their situation.