Fourteen Bangladeshi nationals, including men and women, were repatriated from India after completing prison sentences for illegal entry into the neighboring country.
They were handed over to Benapole Checkpost Immigration Police by India's Petrapole Immigration authorities at around 10:30pm on Friday. The returnees include residents from different parts of Sunamganj and one from Sharsha upazila in Jessore.
According to immigration officials, the Bangladeshis had entered India illegally through various border points at different times. They were subsequently arrested by the Indian authorities and sentenced to prison by local courts for illegal infiltration.
After serving jail terms ranging from two to three years in Punjab Central Jail, they were returned to Bangladesh following diplomatic and legal procedures initiated by Bangladeshi authorities.
Benapole Checkpost Immigration Officer-in-Charge Syed Mortaza Ali said the repatriation was carried out in the presence of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), India's Border Security Force (BSF), and law enforcement officials from both countries. After completing immigration formalities, the returnees were handed over to Benapole Port Police Station.
Shariful Islam, Field Coordinator of Justice and Care, said the individuals had reportedly fallen victim to job-related fraud and trafficking networks. As all are adults, they will be allowed to return to their families after necessary procedures are completed.
