Bangladesh closes embassy in Libya

Bangladesh has suspended diplomatic operations in Libya, and relocated its mission staff to Tunisia after escalation of hostilities. The government also asked all Bangladesh nationals, including migrant workers, not to travel to the trouble-torn country in view of the worsening security situation. Libya has been in turmoil since 2011 when the NATO-backed force removed former leader Col Muammar Gaddafi. Most of the countries have already closed their missions in Libya. But the foreign ministry on Tuesday said Bangladesh relocated its mission from Libya to Tunisia only recently. The mission in March rescued two Bangladeshis who were taken hostage by the terrorist group IS along with some other foreigners. The foreign ministry said they were “closely monitoring” the overall situation in Libya. The relocated Bangladesh embassy has opened an information cell in Tunisia. Labour Counsellor ASM Ashraful Islam can be reached at the information cell on following numbers: +21675750300 and +21621924229, and email idbdtripoli@yahoo.com. Those who are still in Libya have been urged to avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations, according to a news agency.