Dhaka: Five Bangladeshi women have made their way back home through the Benapole land port after serving jail terms in India. The women were handed over by Petrapole immigration police to their Benapole counterparts around 8 p.m. under special travel permits.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the women-Papia Akter, Shimu Akter, Sharmin Khatun, Lovely Khatun, and Rozina Khatun-hail from the districts of Jashore, Narail, Bagerhat, and Tangail. Officer-in-Charge of Benapole Immigration Police Saifur Rahman reported that the women had crossed into India through border routes approximately four years ago, enticed by brokers with promises of employment.

Once in India, they were arrested while working as domestic help and subsequently sentenced to two to three years in prison on charges of illegal entry. After serving their sentences, they were housed in a shelter home by an Indian human rights organization. With the assistance of the high commissions of both countries and a special travel permit issued by the Indian government, the women were finally able to return to Bangladesh.

Human rights organization Justice and Care received the returnees and will facilitate their reunion with their families. Shafiqul Islam, a field facilitator for Justice and Care in Jashore, stated that the women were taken to a shelter home on Tuesday night and are scheduled to be handed over to their families on Wednesday.