US to Deport Undocumented Bangladeshi Immigrants

In line with US President Donald Trump’s policy on illegal immigration, the United States is set to deport undocumented Bangladeshi nationals, following similar actions against immigrants from other countries. However, US authorities have not disclosed the exact number of Bangladeshis living illegally in the country or the timeline for their deportation.

Diplomatic sources in Dhaka and Washington confirmed that Bangladesh has formally requested the US to ensure that its citizens are not treated disrespectfully during the deportation process, specifically asking for them not to be handcuffed.

Last month, the US Embassy in Dhaka informed the Bangladesh government of the impending deportation through an official diplomatic letter.

Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry officials revealed that the US government is notifying countries, including Bangladesh, about the expulsion of undocumented migrants via their respective embassies. The Bangladesh government has urged Washington to ensure that the deported individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

An inter-ministerial meeting was held on Wednesday afternoon at the Secretariat, chaired by Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, to discuss the safe repatriation of undocumented Bangladeshis. Senior officials attending the meeting emphasized the need for a proper process, including confirming the citizenship of individuals before their repatriation, and ensuring humane treatment during deportation, especially concerning the practice of handcuffing deportees.

While officials could not provide information on the number of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the United States, they suggested that the majority are likely concentrated in states like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

According to a BBC report, three US agencies oversee matters related to illegal immigration: the Office of Homeland Security, US Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Last month, the US Embassy officials discussed the deportation issue with Bangladesh, confirming the administration's decision to deport illegal Bangladeshi citizens as part of a broader crackdown on undocumented immigrants, similar to actions taken against nationals of other countries. Washington has sought Dhaka's cooperation in the process, and Bangladesh has agreed to assist.

Bangladesh has made it clear that while it acknowledges the need for repatriating its citizens, it insists on their respectful treatment during the process. The government has specifically requested the US not to deport its citizens in handcuffs, as has been done with deportees from some other countries.

In response, the US administration assured Bangladesh that deported individuals would not be treated disrespectfully. However, diplomatic sources noted that the implementation of this process under President Trump’s administration could be unpredictable, as his immigration enforcement decisions have often been erratic. There have been instances where deportees from other countries faced humiliating conditions. For example, when Colombia initially refused to accept deported citizens on US military aircraft, Trump retaliated by imposing a 25% tariff increase on Colombian imports, forcing Colombia to comply.

Trump’s aggressive stance on border security has also targeted Canada and Mexico for their handling of illegal immigration.