12 Bangladeshi sailors from India return home after 8 months

Twelve Bangladeshi sailors rescued from the Indian coast have finally returned home after eight months, entering Bangladesh through the Benapole Checkpost.

Yesterday (18 October), the Indian authorities at Petrapole Immigration formally handed over the sailors to the Benapole Immigration Police under special travel permits.

Following legal procedures, the sailors were transferred to the Benapole Port Police, and with the assistance of the human rights organisation Justice and Care, arrangements began to reunite them with their families.

The returning sailors include Rajib Sheikh, Shariful Sheikh, Bappi Sheikh, Mohammad Ali, Mihat Fakir, Tarikul Islam, Shawon Molla, Jihad Molla, Al Amin Sheikh, Sagar Hossain, Jasimuddin Sheikh, and Ahad Sheikh, hailing from Bagerhat, Jessore, Gopalganj, Narail, and Magura.

According to the sailors, on 13 February, while transporting cement from Ghorashal Cement Factory in Narsingdi aboard the ship MV C World, their vessel faced an accident in the Ghoramari Deep River of Sagar Thana, West Bengal, India. The ship sank, and the Indian coast police rescued the crew, temporarily sheltering them at Krishnanagar High School Cyclone Shelter.

After eight months of humanitarian support, coordination between the two governments and diplomatic efforts allowed the sailors to return home via special travel permits issued by the Indian government.

Inspector Tajul Islam of Benapole Immigration Police said, "The 12 rescued Bangladeshi sailors were handed over to us through travel permits. After completing legal formalities, they were transferred to Benapole Port Police."

Shafiqul Islam, field facilitator of Justice and Care, said, "We are delighted that the sailors have returned safely after a long wait. Once all legal procedures are completed, they will be reunited with their families."