Three Youths Repatriated via Benapole

Three Bangladeshi youths who had earlier been trafficked and subsequently detained in India have been repatriated to Bangladesh through the Benapole–Petrapole border crossing following coordinated diplomatic and administrative procedures between the two countries.

The returnees have been identified as Md. Ruman Mallik (23), Jaber Hossain (24), and Asaduz Zaman. They were formally handed over by Indian immigration police to their Bangladeshi counterparts at the Benapole check post on Tuesday night (31 March) at around 10:00 pm. The transfer was facilitated under a Special Travel Permit issued with the assistance of relevant authorities and diplomatic channels.

According to officials at the Benapole Immigration Police, the three young men had crossed into India illegally approximately one and a half years ago with the assistance of human traffickers, reportedly in search of better employment opportunities. After entering the Indian state of Kerala, they engaged in various forms of informal labour before being detained by law enforcement authorities for illegal entry.

Subsequently, an Indian court sentenced them to one year of imprisonment. After completing their custodial sentence, they were placed in a shelter home operated by a non-governmental organisation in India. Their repatriation was later arranged through coordination between both countries’ diplomatic missions, with the issuance of a Special Travel Permit by the Indian government.

Following their handover at the border, the youths were officially received by Benapole Port Police and later transferred to the custody of a local humanitarian organisation, Justice and Care, which will facilitate their reunification with their respective families.

Officials emphasised that such repatriation processes reflect ongoing cooperation between Bangladesh and India in addressing irregular migration and human trafficking cases, particularly involving vulnerable young individuals seeking employment abroad through unsafe and illegal channels.

Details of Repatriated Individuals

Authorities further noted that after completion of necessary immigration formalities at Benapole, the individuals were safely moved under supervision. The humanitarian organisation responsible for their care stated that they will ensure proper counselling and support before handing them over to their families.

The incident once again highlights the risks associated with irregular migration through informal channels, particularly the role of traffickers who lure young people with false promises of employment opportunities abroad.