Nine Bangladeshis Return Home After Indian Imprisonment Via Brokers

After completing prison terms in India, nine Bangladeshi nationals, three women, four men, and two children, have returned home via the Benapole International Checkpost. About three years ago, they had entered India illegally after being deceived by brokers who offered them jobs in homes and farms. The officer-in-charge of the Benapole International Checkpost Immigration Police, Mr. Saifur Rahman, claims that they were later arrested by Indian police for illegal entry, brought before a court, and ordered to be imprisoned.

After serving their sentences, they were taken in by an Indian non-governmental human rights group until preparations could be made for their return. Through special travel permits granted by the Indian government, the required officials from both countries worked together to ease their return. After crossing the Petrapole border on Saturday night, the group was formally turned over to the Benapole Port Police Station to go through the required legal processes before being given to representatives of the NGO Justice and Care.

According to Justice and Care representatives, the returnees will first be placed in a shelter home. Project sources state that legal preparations will be made to reconnect them with their families after all procedures have been completed, with some individuals receiving additional support from a secondary human rights group.