US Deports 31 More Bangladeshis, Allegedly Handcuffed and Chained

Rtv News

Publish : 09 Dec 2025, 09:20 AM

Photo: Collected

Following the commencement of his second term, US President Donald Trump has continued his policy of deporting undocumented immigrants.

The United States has repatriated 31 more Bangladeshi nationals, bringing the total number of deportations since his re-election to 226.

The 31 individuals arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday (December 8) at 7:00 PM via a special US military flight.

It has been confirmed that upon arrival, the returnees received emergency assistance, including transportation, from BRAC, facilitated by the airport authorities.

The majority of the deported workers are from Noakhali, with others hailing from districts including Sylhet, Feni, Shariatpur, and Cumilla.

Reports of Inhumane Treatment

The returning Bangladeshis reported that all of them were transported for approximately 60 hours with their hands handcuffed and bodies chained until they were released upon arrival at the Dhaka airport.

Shariful Hasan, Associate Director (Migration and Youth Platform) at BRAC, confirmed the incident.

"Speaking to these returnees, we learned that at least seven of the 31 had initially traveled to Brazil with clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET)," he stated.

They subsequently entered the US illegally via Mexico. After their applications for residency in the US were denied, the US decided to repatriate them following legal proceedings.

"While the deportation of undocumented individuals might be normal, holding them in handcuffs and chains for hours on end is inhumane," Hasan added.

Call for Government Action

Hasan urged the government to exercise caution before granting permission to send more workers to Brazil.

"We have repeatedly stated that most of those sent to Brazil under the guise of employment are actually using it as a springboard to enter the US illegally via Mexico. They are spending between 30 to 35 lakh Taka each, only to return empty-handed," he said.

He stressed that the recruiting agencies and those involved in the approval process should be held accountable.

Background on Recent Deportations

This recent group follows a series of repatriations:

On November 28 of this year, 39 Bangladeshis were returned via a chartered flight.
On June 8, 42 Bangladeshis were returned on another chartered flight.
Between March 6 and April 21 of this year, at least 34 more Bangladeshis were returned across multiple flights.

The total number of Bangladeshis deported from the US since the beginning of 2024 up to August has exceeded 220.

Under US law, migrants residing without legal documentation can be deported by court order or administrative decision.

If asylum applications fail, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arranges for their repatriation. The recent acceleration of this process has led to an increased use of chartered and military flights.

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