Bangladeshi women, children among 33 return after prison time in India
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After months in detention and jail in India, 33 Bangladeshis -- among them women and children -- have been repatriated through Benapole, marking the end of a cross-border ordeal that reportedly began with a search for livelihood.
The group was handed over to Bangladesh authorities by Indian immigration on Sunday afternoon under a special travel permit, confirmed Syed Mortuza Ali, immigration inspector at the Benapole International Checkpost.
The returnees hail from different districts, including Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Pabna, Narayanganj, Thakurgaon, Kushtia, Rangpur, Cumilla, Netrokona, Gazipur, and Mymensingh.
Mortuza said the individuals had previously crossed into India illegally via different border points with the help of middlemen in search of “employment opportunities”.
"They were detained by the Indian police while searching for work in Chennai," the officer said.
"Following their arrest, a court sentenced them to different terms in jail for trespassing."
Upon completing their sentences, the returnees were taken into the care of an Indian human rights organisation and kept in a shelter home until their repatriation was arranged.
Shafiqul Islam, area officer of the rights group “Justice and Care”, said the return was made possible through “diplomatic coordination”.
"After they were detained in Chennai, letters were exchanged between the foreign ministries of both countries," Islam said.
"Eventually, the process for their return was finalised."
“Justice and Care” took custody of the group from the police to assist in reuniting them with their families.