VOI World/ Desk
A Bangladesh prison official has revealed that 148 Indian nationals remain incarcerated in the country despite having completed their jail terms, raising concerns about delays in repatriation and identity verification procedures.
According to prison statistics cited by Bangladeshi officials, a total of 152 foreign nationals are currently being held in the country’s prisons after serving their sentences, with Indians accounting for the overwhelming majority. Many of the detainees were originally convicted on charges related to illegal cross-border entry and immigration violations.
Officials said the prolonged detention is largely due to difficulties in verifying the identities and nationalities of the inmates, a necessary step before repatriation can take place. The process reportedly involves coordination between prison authorities, law enforcement agencies and diplomatic missions.
A report by Bangladesh-based media outlet BDNews24 stated that 17 Indian nationals remain detained in Shariatpur District Jail alone despite completing their sentences. Jail authorities told the publication that repeated efforts to secure verification and facilitate their return had not yet resulted in their release.
Bangladeshi prison officials indicated that bureaucratic and diplomatic delays have contributed to the situation, leaving many former inmates in legal limbo. The issue has drawn attention to the challenges faced by individuals detained for immigration-related offences, particularly when documentation and identity records are incomplete or unavailable.
The report also highlighted concerns about the welfare of some detainees. According to prison authorities, at least two Indian inmates reportedly died while awaiting repatriation after completing their prison terms.
Officials noted that Indian nationals are not the only foreign citizens affected, with inmates from Pakistan, Myanmar and Nigeria also awaiting repatriation. However, Indians constitute the largest group among those still detained.
The development underscores the importance of timely consular coordination and cross-border cooperation to ensure that individuals who have completed their legal sentences can be returned to their home countries without unnecessary delays.
