SEPANG: A total of 123 Malaysians have been evacuated onboard a special charter flight from Bangladesh.
Wisma Putra in a statement said those evacuated have safely boarded the AirAsia charter flight AK76 today, at 11.23am local time (1.23pm Malaysian time) at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka.
"They are expected to arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2 at approximately 5.10pm Malaysian time."
It added that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail along with Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Deputy Higher Education Minister Higher Datuk Mustapha Sakmud will receive them upon arrival.
Wisma Putra also said that there are several Malaysians who have decided to remain in Bangladesh.
"Among them are students in their final year of studies and Malaysians working in Bangladesh.
"Those who choose to stay are strongly urged to maintain regular communication with the High Commission to receive timely updates and support where the High Commission is dedicated to providing assistance and ensuring their safety as the situation evolves."
Earlier this morning, the special flight, under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's directive to bring back Malaysians in strife-torn Bangladesh, departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA2) at 7.30am.
The Foreign Ministry's South and Central Asia Division undersecretary Datuk Dr Shazelina Zainul Abidin, who is leading the mission, said over 100 Malaysians, including students, have been sheltered at the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka since yesterday.
Yesterday, the prime minister said that the government has decided to repatriate all Malaysians in Bangladesh due to security concerns following escalating tensions in that country.
According to the statement, the High Commission will continue to operate as normal and will monitor the situation closely, ready to respond swiftly to any developments, as well as ensure all Malaysians in Bangladesh are well-informed and supported during this period.
"The High Commission of Malaysia in Dhaka has coordinated this exercise with the close cooperation from the Government of Bangladesh. In this regard, the Government of Malaysia would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the Government of Bangladesh for the arrangement and facilitation in ensuring the success of this exercise."