Twenty-one Bangladeshis, including 20 minors, deported

Twenty-one Bangladeshi nationals were deported from Bengal on Wednesday. This group included 20 minors and one woman. They had been held in jails in Bengal after being convicted under immigration laws. The deportation follows a Supreme Court directive on January 30. The court asked the government to report on the number of illegal immigrants in correctional facilities. The repatriation process started on March 3 when the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission issued travel permits. On March 12, a 'Leave India Notice' was issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office to facilitate their return. The repatriation was completed at the Petrapole crossing, with officials from both countries present. Since January 1, 2024, the number of Bangladeshi convicts in Bengal jails has decreased from 495 to 179. Those deported on Wednesday had spent two years in prison after being arrested in Kolkata. They came to India seeking better opportunities and were caught by authorities. Officials say that if the returnees can identify their traffickers, they will receive legal assistance. Support will be provided through organizations like Justice and Care, based in Jessore. The returnees come from various districts, including Khulna and Cox's Bazar.