Nine Bangladeshi nationals, including three women and two children, returned home Saturday evening through special travel permits after serving prison sentences in India.
Indian Petrapole Immigration Police handed over the returnees-comprising four men, three women and two children from Narail, Rajbari, Khulna and Barisal districts-to Benapole Immigration Police.
Saifur Rahman, Benapole Immigration Police Officer-in-Charge(OC), said the individuals had crossed into India illegally through border points two and a half years ago via brokers in search of better jobs. They were arrested by police while working in houses and farms in Dum Dum and subsequently sentenced to two years in prison by an Indian court.
Upon completing their sentences, an Indian human rights organization kept them in a shelter home. They returned Saturday following embassy coordination and special travel permits issued by the Indian government.
The returnees were transferred to Benapole Port Police Station, where the human rights organization Justice and Care received them.
Muhit Hossain, senior program officer of Justice and Care, said they are currently keeping them at their shelter and will reunite them with their families on Sunday.