DHAKA: Somali pirates, in the evening, have released seven Bangladeshi crews, who were on board of a Malaysian flagged-vessel MV Albedo that was hijacked on 26 November 2010.

The released crews have flown to Nairobi by a special aircraft of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Kenya.

The UNODC authority and Bangladesh High Commission Nairobi will receive the crew in Nairobi where they will undergo medical checkup at the Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi.

A press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the matter on Saturday evening.

It said, “Preliminary report received from the Bangladesh High Commission in Kenya confirmed that all seven are in good health and would be staying at a local hotel where they will be provided with food, medicine and clothing.”

It also said: “Bangladesh High Commission Nairobi has already been instructed to prepare their travel documents. As soon as the required formalities were completed by the UNODC, Bangladesh High Commission Nairobi will arrange passage for the seven crew to return to Bangladesh.”

The release added that The Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh deeply appreciates the assistance of UNODC and MPHRP for their continuous support and assistance in the release of the seven abducted Bangladesh crew.

BDST: 2035 HRS, JUN 07, 2014