DHAKA: Seven Bangladeshi crew members, who were released by the Somali pirates on June 6, will reach Dhaka on Thursday morning by Emirates flight No EK-582. 

High officials of the government will receive them around 8:40am.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the disclosure through a press release on Wednesday.

On June 6 evening, Somali pirates released seven Bangladeshi crews, who were on board of a Malaysian flagged-vessel MV Albedo that was hijacked on 26 November 2010 after a long persuasion by the government as well as relevant international organizations.

On release they were taken to Nairobi where the Bangladesh High Commission arranged for their travel documents as well as accommodation, medical checkup and air ticket to Bangladesh.  

The Government of Bangladesh deeply appreciates the role of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the London-based Maritime Piracy and Humanitarian Response Programme (MPHRP) for their continuous support and assistance in the release of the seven abducted Bangladeshi crew members.

BDST: 1605 HRS, JUN 11, 2014