28 trafficked Bangladeshi children, teens repatriated via Benapole

A total of 28 Bangladeshi children and teenagers trafficked to India were repatriated through the Benapole International Checkpost on Tuesday evening on special travel permits issued by the Indian authorities.

Among the returnees, 17 were children and 11 were teenagers. They were handed over by Indian immigration police to their Bangladeshi counterparts at the checkpost.

Officer-in-Charge of Benapole Immigration Police Sakhawat Hossain said the victims had entered India through different border routes, some with their parents and others through traffickers.

They were later detained by Indian police on charges of illegal entry and jailed following court orders.

After completing their jail terms, they were kept at shelter homes run by an Indian NGO before being sent back to Bangladesh under special travel permits provided by the Indian government, he added.

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Following completion of immigration formalities, the children and teenagers were handed over to Benapole Port Police Station.

Three NGOs—Rights, Justice and Care, Women Lawyers’ Association and another partner organisation—received them and will facilitate their reunification with families, the official said.