Did Pregnant Bengali Woman Sunali Khatun Successfully Return Home from Bangladesh?
Synopsis
Sunali Khatun, who was deported to Bangladesh while pregnant, has triumphantly returned to her home in West Bengal. Her return, facilitated by the Supreme Court, is being hailed as a major victory by local political leaders. While she celebrates, her husband and others remain stranded across the border.
Key Takeaways
Sunali Khatun returns to India after six months.
Her repatriation was facilitated by a Supreme Court order.
She expressed gratitude towards political leaders for their support.
Four individuals remain stranded in Bangladesh awaiting repatriation.
The incident highlights issues surrounding citizenship and deportation.
Kolkata, Dec 6 (NationPress) After almost six months, Sunali Khatun, a pregnant Bengali woman who was previously deported to Bangladesh, has finally made her way back to her residence in Birbhum district of West Bengal on Saturday.
She crossed the border on Friday night via land in the Malda district.
In June, while she was expecting a child, Sunali was forcibly sent to Bangladesh under suspicions of being an illegal resident.
Thanks to a Supreme Court ruling, she has been reunited with her home country along with her eight-year-old son.
Upon her return late Friday, Sunali was taken to Malda Medical College and Hospital for a health evaluation.
She was discharged the following morning, although hospital reports indicated she had a low blood count; nonetheless, both she and her son are in good health.
Upon reaching her home in Birbhum, she expressed gratitude towards Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, and Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam for their support in facilitating her return.
"I am back. My heartfelt thanks to Mamata didi and Abhishek Banerjee. I also extend my gratitude to Samirul Islam. I faced numerous challenges in Bangladesh, yet the police there did not mistreat me. Moving forward, I have no intention of returning to Delhi," she stated.
Later on Saturday, she was referred to Rampurhat Sub-divisional Hospital for additional medical assessments.
In a conversation with IANS, Trinamool Congress MP Samirul Islam remarked, "This is a triumph for the people. It reflects the dedication of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. Our party stands firm in support of her family, ensuring they receive all necessary assistance. Those who oppress Bengalis will face the consequences from the people of Bengal."
Despite Sunali Khatun and her son returning, four individuals remain stranded in Bangladesh, including her husband and another family identified as Sweety Bibi.
No definitive timeline has been provided for their repatriation.
However, both the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court have mandated that all deported individuals, including Sunali Khatun, must be allowed to return.
Sunali's family is pressing for the expedited return of the remaining members.
In June, six individuals, including Sunali, were detained in Delhi on allegations of being Bangladeshi infiltrators.
Despite possessing valid citizenship documents, all six were sent back to Bangladesh and subsequently arrested by local authorities.
They have been incarcerated in Bangladeshi jails since.
A legal battle was initiated in the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court to facilitate the return of all six individuals.
Point of View
Reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by many individuals caught in similar predicaments. It emphasizes the need for thorough consideration of human rights in such situations. As the narrative continues, it serves as a reminder of the vital role government intervention plays in protecting its citizens.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the deportation of Sunali Khatun?
Sunali Khatun was deported under suspicions of being a resident of Bangladesh, despite holding valid citizenship documents.
How did Sunali Khatun return to India?
She returned to India through a land border in the Malda district after a Supreme Court order facilitated her repatriation.
What health issues did Sunali face upon her return?
Upon her return, Sunali was found to have a low blood count but was reported to be healthy.
What support did Sunali receive during her time in Bangladesh?
She received financial support from West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and reported no mistreatment from the Bangladesh Police.
Are there others still stuck in Bangladesh?
Yes, four individuals, including Sunali's husband, remain stranded in Bangladesh and are awaiting repatriation.
