31 more Bangladeshis deported from US in handcuffs and shackles
Earlier this year, US authorities had deported 226 Bangladeshis, many of whom also reported being restrained in the same manner.
The United States has deported 31 more Bangladeshi nationals, who arrived in Dhaka yesterday (8 December) around 7pm on a special US military flight.
After landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, they received immediate assistance and transportation support from Brac through airport authorities, reads a press release.
Most of the returnees are from Noakhali, while others hail from Sylhet, Feni, Shariatpur, Cumilla and several other districts.
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According to the deported migrants, all 31 were kept in handcuffs and leg irons for nearly 60 hours throughout the long journey back to Bangladesh. They were unshackled only upon arrival in Dhaka.
Earlier this year, US authorities had deported 226 Bangladeshis, many of whom also reported being restrained in the same manner.
Shariful Hasan, associate director of Brac's Migration and Youth Platform, said that at least seven of the latest group had originally travelled to Brazil with clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET). From there, they attempted to enter the US irregularly through Mexico, later applying for asylum. After completing legal procedures, US authorities decided to return them to Bangladesh.
"Sending back undocumented migrants may be a standard procedure, but keeping them chained for hours upon hours is inhumane," Shariful Hasan said.
He added that many migrants being sent to Brazil in the name of jobs are subsequently crossing into Mexico and entering the US illegally, often spending Tk30-35 lakh each, only to return home empty-handed. He stressed that the agencies and individuals involved in such recruitment and processing must be held accountable, and urged the government to proceed with caution before allowing any new labour migration to Brazil.
Following Donald Trump's return to the White House for a second term, the US has intensified its crackdown on irregular migrants. As part of this heightened campaign, citizens of several countries, including Bangladesh, have been deported in multiple phases.
Earlier, on 28 November this year, 39 Bangladeshis were flown back on a chartered flight, and another 42 were deported on 8 June. Between 6 March and 21 April, at least 34 more Bangladeshis were returned on several flights. From early 2024 to August, the total number of deported Bangladeshis exceeded 220.
Under US law, undocumented migrants can be deported based on a court order or administrative decision. If an asylum claim is rejected, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arranges repatriation. With recent efforts to expedite the process, the use of chartered and military flights has increased significantly.
