Brahmanbaria, May 15 (V7N) – Eleven Bangladeshi nationals have returned home after serving prison sentences in India for illegally crossing the border. They had entered India through brokers around 8 to 9 months ago and were arrested by Indian law enforcement agencies shortly after.

With assistance from the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Tripura, India, the returnees were officially handed over to Bangladeshi authorities at the Akhaura Land Port Immigration Checkpost in Brahmanbaria on Thursday (May 15) afternoon.

Present during the handover were:

  • Almas Hossain, First Secretary, Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura

  • Omar Sharif, Consular Assistant

  • Md. G. M. Rashedul Islam, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Akhaura

  • Abdus Sattar, Officer-in-Charge, Immigration

  • Md. Chamiuddin, OC, Akhaura Police Station

  • Md. Mukhlesur Rahman, Commander, ICP Camp

  • Md. Shihabul Hossain, Senior Officer, BRAC Migration Program, among others.

Family members of the returnees expressed deep relief and gratitude upon being reunited. Md. Belal Jamaddar, brother of returnee Md. Helal Jamaddar, said, “My brother left in search of work eight months ago. We later learned he had been arrested in India. Today he returned through government efforts — I am happy to have him back.”

Rabeya Akhter, mother of returnee Farzana Akhter, shared a similar sentiment, saying, “My daughter had gone to India with a friend and was caught by the police. I’m thankful that she is finally back.”

Almas Hossain, First Secretary at the Assistant High Commission, stated, “They entered India illegally and were arrested by law enforcement agencies. After serving their sentences as per Indian court rulings, they were kept in a temporary detention center in Tripura. Once informed, we verified their citizenship and coordinated with both governments to facilitate their repatriation.”

This successful repatriation underscores continued diplomatic cooperation between Bangladesh and India on humanitarian grounds and migration issues.

END/MSS/AJ