30 Bangladeshis deported from US in handcuffs and shackles

Thirty Bangladeshi nationals were deported from the United States late Thursday night, reportedly in handcuffs and leg shackles, prompting fresh concerns over human rights and dignity in immigration enforcement practices.

A special flight carrying the deportees landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 11:00 p.m on Thursday. Under tight security, the individuals remained on the runway for nearly three hours. At approximately 2:00 a.m, authorities removed their restraints and escorted them to the airport's arrival area. No one was allowed to approach the deportees, and photography was strictly prohibited. Among the group was at least one woman.

A senior immigration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the flight originated from the United States and carried the deportees under special security arrangements. Present at the airport were teams from the Ministry of Home Affairs, several intelligence agencies, and officials from the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka.

The NGO BRAC has reportedly provided financial support to help the returnees travel back to their respective hometowns.

Since the start of former President Donald Trump’s second term, U.S. immigration authorities have intensified deportation efforts targeting undocumented immigrants. As part of that crackdown, multiple groups of Bangladeshis have been returned in recent years. According to officials, more than 180 Bangladeshis have been deported from the United States since the beginning of 2024.

Shariful Hasan, Associate Director of BRAC’s Migration and Youth Platform, criticized the method of deportation, calling it "deeply inhumane."

“It’s natural for people to dream of a better life and seek migration opportunities. While destination countries have the right to deport, restraining individuals with handcuffs and shackles for hours is deeply unfortunate. It leaves a lasting psychological impact,” he said.
“We urge U.S. authorities to consider humanitarian aspects more seriously in future deportations.”

According to U.S. immigration law, individuals residing in the country without valid documentation are subject to deportation. Some of the returnees are believed to have pending legal cases in the U.S.

Officials say these individuals entered the U.S. illegally through Mexico and other Latin American countries, often relying on Bangladeshi human trafficking networks. It is estimated that each person paid between Tk 30 to 80 lakh (approximately USD $27,000–$73,000) to traffickers in the hope of a better life abroad.

This is not the first time such deportations have drawn attention. On August 2, 39 Bangladeshis — including women — were deported aboard a C-17 military transport aircraft, all of whom were handcuffed and shackled. Between March 6 and April 21 this year, at least 34 others were deported under similar conditions.

In 2016, 27 Bangladeshis were deported under heavy security in a special flight. They too were restrained during their journey — an act that sparked widespread criticism and raised serious questions about human rights. The incident led to diplomatic discussions between Dhaka and Washington.

With deportation numbers rising and the method of return under scrutiny, calls are growing louder for more humane treatment of migrants — even those facing repatriation.