US deports 31 more Bangladeshis in handcuffs and chains

Another 31 Bangladeshis have been repatriated from the United States on a special military flight. The returning workers claim that they were brought home in handcuffs and shackles for nearly 60 hours.

The special military flight arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 7 pm on Monday.

After landing, the non-governmental organization BRAC provided them with emergency assistance, including transportation. Most of the returnees are residents of Noakhali district. There are also workers from various districts, including Sylhet, Feni, Shariatpur, and Comilla.

They said their shackles were untied at the airport upon their arrival in Dhaka.

Earlier this year, the United States deported 226 Bangladeshis, most of whom were similarly handcuffed and shackled.

Shariful Hasan, BRAC's associate director (Migration and Youth Platform), told the media that at least seven of the 31 returnees had gone to Brazil with BMET clearances and later tried to enter the United States illegally via Brazil and Mexico. After their asylum applications failed, the US authorities decided to deport them after going through the legal process.

Shariful said, "While it is normal to send someone back without documents, keeping them in handcuffs and shackles for hours is inhumane. Many of those who are sent to Brazil in the name of work later try to go to the United States illegally and spend 30-35 lakh taka for it, but return empty-handed."