148 Indians Remain in Bangladesh Jails Despite Completing Sentences

Dhaka: Nearly 150 Indian nationals remain lodged in prisons across Bangladesh despite having completed their jail terms, as procedural and administrative delays continue to hinder their return to India.

According to prison officials, 148 of the 152 foreign inmates currently held in Bangladeshi jails are Indian citizens. While they have already served their sentences, many are still awaiting release due to pending identity verification, documentation requirements, and diplomatic formalities.

Officials said that several of these prisoners completed their sentences years ago. However, delays in confirming nationality, processing travel documents, and coordination between authorities of the two countries have prolonged their stay in prison.

Many of the affected individuals were reportedly arrested for illegal border crossings and related offenses. In some prisons, a significant number of Indian inmates continue to remain behind bars despite being legally eligible for repatriation.

Experts believe that faster administrative coordination and streamlined verification procedures between India and Bangladesh could help ensure the timely return of such prisoners to their home country.