Why Were Six Bangladeshi Citizens Linked to Awami League Arrested in Kolkata?
Synopsis
In a significant police operation, six Bangladeshi nationals with ties to the Awami League were arrested in Kolkata for overstaying their visas. Their stories reveal a deeper narrative of fear and escape from unrest in Bangladesh. This incident raises questions about immigration policies and the challenges faced by those fleeing turmoil.
Key Takeaways
Six Bangladeshi nationals arrested for visa violations.
They are linked to the Awami League political party.
Their arrest highlights immigration challenges amidst political turmoil.
Judicial custody ordered until February 27.
Potential repatriation to Bangladesh after their sentence.
Kolkata, Feb 17 (NationPress) Kolkata Police have apprehended six Bangladeshi individuals from a hotel in central Kolkata due to overstaying their visas in India, as confirmed by police on Tuesday.
Officers from the Park Street police station conducted a raid at the hotel on Collin Street after receiving tips that these six Bangladeshis were hiding in the city, afraid to return to their homeland due to their long-expired visas.
Initial investigations revealed that all of these Bangladeshi youths are associated with the Awami League.
They had fled to Kolkata on medical visas amidst unrest in Bangladesh, fearing for their safety. Six valid Bangladeshi passports were recovered from them.
Those arrested include Abir Hossain, Mohammad Mamun Rashid, Mohammad Alimun Gazi, Azam Mollah, Faizal Amin, and Zaidul Islam. Notably, Azam Mollah is recognized as a Bangladeshi singer.
Even after arriving in Kolkata, he continued to perform in familiar circles. Following his arrest early Monday morning, Azam expressed his desire to keep his guitar and even requested the Park Street Police officers to allow him to sing. However, when presented before the Bankshall Court on Monday, the judge ordered all six individuals to remain in judicial custody until February 27.
According to police sources, the arrested individuals are aged between 25 and 35 years, primarily hailing from Noakhali and Tangail in Bangladesh.
Each of them separately departed from Bangladesh last year due to the prevailing turbulent conditions. They arrived in Kolkata on medical visas for treatment of various ailments and later connected with one another. Gradually, they began residing in different hotels, with some seeking employment. Among them, Azam Mollah was actively performing within his network.
As per police reports, their visas started expiring in November of the previous year, and by January, all had lapsed. Despite this, none wished to return to Bangladesh due to safety concerns. They had been staying at a hotel on Collin Street for approximately seven days prior to their arrest.
Even post-arrest, the detained Bangladeshi members of the Awami League expressed to the police their unwillingness to return home. A senior Kolkata Police official stated, "The process of repatriating them to Bangladesh will proceed according to the law after their sentence concludes."
Point of View
It is imperative to address the complexities surrounding immigration issues. The recent arrests of the six Bangladeshi nationals highlight the desperate measures some individuals take amidst political unrest. It is crucial for nations to recognize the humanitarian aspects of such situations while ensuring lawful compliance.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Bangladeshi nationals arrested?
They were arrested for overstaying their visas in India.
What political party do they belong to?
They are linked to the Awami League.
What is the current status of the arrested individuals?
They are in judicial custody until February 27.
What were their reasons for coming to Kolkata?
They fled Bangladesh due to unrest, seeking medical treatment.
What will happen to them after their sentence?
They will be repatriated to Bangladesh as per the law.
