29 more Bangladeshis deported from US; total 322 since early 2025

The United States deported 29 more Bangladeshi nationals today (28 February) as part of its ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration, bringing the total number of Bangladeshis repatriated since the beginning of 2025 to 322.

They arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:45am on a special chartered flight arranged by US authorities, according to a press release.

Previously, 36 Bangladeshis were deported on 20 January. Earlier deportations included 31 individuals on 8 December last year, 39 on a chartered flight on 28 November, and 42 on another chartered flight on 8 June.

In addition, at least 34 Bangladeshis were deported on multiple flights between 6 March and 21 April this year.

Of the 29 deportees who arrived today, 14 are from Noakhali, seven from Dhaka, two from Cumilla, three from Munshiganj, and one each from Feni, Moulvibazar, Sylhet and Madaripur.

Most of the returnees had initially travelled legally to Brazil before attempting to enter the United States illegally via Mexico. Many reportedly spent between Tk45 lakh and Tk50 lakh, while some spent as much as Tk60 lakh to Tk70 lakh to reach the US.

After entering the country, they applied for political asylum. However, their applications were rejected following lengthy legal proceedings, prompting US authorities to deport them, the release added.

Saiful Islam, one of the deportees from Noakhali, said he travelled to Brazil in 2024 with clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET). He later attempted to enter the United States via Mexico through intermediaries but was arrested.

Another deportee, Diyad Chowdhury, said he spent Tk22 lakh to travel to Brazil with BMET clearance in late 2024. He later entered the United States through Mexico and spent nearly a year in detention before being deported.

Abdul Sabur from Barlekha upazila in Moulvibazar said he travelled to Brazil on a visit visa on 28 October 2023 at a cost of Tk64 lakh. He reached the United States on 11 December 2024 after travelling through several countries. His asylum application was rejected, leading to his deportation.

According to officials, a total of 1,410 Bangladeshis have travelled to Brazil with BMET clearance since the beginning of 2025, including 990 from Noakhali. Authorities suspect that many used Brazil as a transit route to attempt entry into the United States via Mexico.

Following Donald Trump's return to the presidency for a second term, US immigration enforcement against undocumented migrants has intensified. As part of this effort, nationals of several countries, including Bangladesh, have been deported in multiple phases.

Under US law, undocumented migrants can be deported based on court rulings or administrative orders. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency carries out deportations when asylum claims are denied. In recent months, the use of chartered and military flights for deportations has increased as the process has accelerated.

Shariful Hasan, associate director of Brac's Migration and Youth Platform, said the number of Bangladeshis travelling legally to Brazil with BMET clearance and then attempting irregular migration to the United States has risen significantly.

He stressed the need for stricter oversight to ensure that workers travelling to Brazil are doing so for legitimate employment rather than using it as a transit route to the US.

He also called for greater accountability of recruitment agencies and more caution before approving further labour migration to Brazil.