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Five Bangladeshi women returned home through the Benapole land port on Tuesday night after completing their prison sentences in India.
Officials said the women were handed over by Petrapole immigration authorities to Benapole immigration police around 8:00 pm under special travel permits.
The returnees—Papia Akter, Shimu Akter, Sharmin Khatun, Lovely Khatun, and Rozina Khatun—hail from Jashore, Narail, Bagerhat, and Tangail districts.
According to Saifur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Benapole Immigration Police, the women had crossed into India about four years ago through illegal border routes after being lured by brokers with promises of jobs. They were later arrested while working as domestic helpers and sentenced to two to three years in prison for illegal entry.
After serving their sentences, they were kept at a shelter home by an Indian human rights organization. Their return was facilitated through coordinated efforts between the Bangladeshi and Indian high commissions, along with special travel permits issued by Indian authorities.
Upon arrival, the women were received by the human rights organization Justice and Care, which will reunite them with their families.
A field facilitator of the organization in Jashore said the women were taken to a shelter home on Tuesday night and are expected to be handed over to their families on Wednesday.