Caught crossing border illegally, 2 from Bangladesh repatriated

India has repatriated two Bangladeshi nationals after determining that they had no criminal intent, The Tribune has learned. The duo was apprehended on Tuesday while attempting to cross illegally into Bangladesh from India, an official confirmed.

The individuals were identified as Ratan Sarker (58) from Raghunathpur village and Shyamal Biswas (66) from Bhuiyaghar village in Bangladesh. According to sources, they were handed over to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Baghdanga Border Outpost on Tuesday night itself.

India’s gesture comes at a time of strained relations between the two neighbours, which have witnessed diplomatic tensions in recent months. Political instability in Bangladesh, coupled with calls for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has sought refuge in India, has added to the friction.

Recently, Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain expressed optimism about restoring ties with India, following similar remarks by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who reiterated Dhaka’s interest in strengthening bilateral relations. Hossain also voiced hope that India would soon resume issuing visas to Bangladeshi citizens.

India had suspended visa issuance for Bangladeshi nationals after violent protests led to the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August last year, citing a deteriorating law-and-order situation. Currently, India is only issuing visas for patients and medical tourists with compelling healthcare needs.

India’s cautious stance on visas is seen as a reflection of its unease over diplomatic ties with Dhaka, which worsened significantly after the fall of the Hasina-led government. However, efforts to mend relations have been underway, starting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Dhaka in December 2024.

Further easing of tensions was evident after a meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Touhid Hossain on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman, in February 2025.