Dhaka, Dec 09 (V7N) – Thirty-one Bangladeshi nationals returned from the United States on December 8 via a special US military flight, spending nearly 60 hours restrained in handcuffs and leg shackles. Most returnees are from Noakhali, with others from Sylhet, Feni, Shariatpur, Comilla, and additional districts.
 
Upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, they were released from restraints and received emergency support, including transportation, from BRAC. At least seven of the returnees had legally traveled to Brazil under BMET clearance before entering the US illegally via Mexico. After applying for residency in the US, they were deported under legal procedures.
 
Shariful Hasan, Associate Director of BRAC’s Migration and Youth Platform, called the prolonged restraint inhumane and highlighted the financial losses of workers, who spend Tk 30 to 35 lakh per person, returning empty-handed. He urged accountability for agencies facilitating the migration.
 
This repatriation follows previous operations, including 39 Bangladeshis returned on November 28, 42 on June 8, and at least 34 between March 6 and April 21, 2025. Under US law, undocumented immigrants can be deported through court orders or administrative directives, and accelerated deportation has increased the use of chartered and military flights.
 
Hasan emphasized the need for caution before sending new workers abroad amid intensified deportation measures under President Donald Trump’s second term.
 
END/AJ/SMA/