After completing a two-year prison sentence in India, 21 Bangladeshi men, women, and children returned home through the Benapole border last night.

According to Ibrahim Ahmed, Officer-in-Charge of Benapole Immigration Police, they were repatriated under a special travel permit and officially handed over to Bangladeshi authorities.

These individuals had traveled to India with the help of brokers in search of better opportunities around two and a half years ago. However, they were arrested in Kolkata and later sentenced to two years in prison. Following their release, the home ministries of both countries coordinated their return through diplomatic procedures, the OC said.

The returnees hail from Khulna, Bagerhat, Faridpur, Cox’s Bazar, and Narail.

Upon arrival, two Jashore-based NGOs—Justice and Care and Rights Jashore—received them from the police. They will be reunited with their families, officials confirmed.

According to Abdul Muhith, Senior Programme Officer of Justice and Care, these individuals were misled by traffickers who lured them with false job promises. 

If they wish to identify the traffickers and seek legal aid, necessary support will be provided, he added.

BDST: 1157 HRS, MAR 20, 2025
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