Dhaka: In a significant development, Sakina Begum, who had been in police custody in Bangladesh for two months, was granted conditional bail by a Dhaka court on November 23. However, the path for her repatriation to her home in Assam, India, remains unclear, leaving her future mired in legal and procedural uncertainty.

As The Wire had reported, after being deemed a foreigner and allegedly illegally pushed into Bangladesh by authorities in Assam, Sakina Begum found herself in Bangladeshi police custody for entering the country without a passport or visa. Her family in Assam, after being reconnected with Sakina by reporters from the BBC, had been working with those who were looking after Sakina in Dhaka to secure her return.

The Dhaka Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court ordered Sakina’s release into the custody of Jakia, a woman from Bhashantek, who had provided her shelter after she was allegedly pushed into from India across the border. The bail mandates that Sakina must report to the Bhashantek police station once a week.

Sakina was transported from Kashimpur Jail, located approximately 50 km from Dhaka, for the hearing of her fourth bail application. Her advocate, Advocate Rahmatullah, argued that the charges under which she was held are bailable. He further petitioned the court for her release, citing her advanced age.

The presiding judge reserved the verdict until the afternoon, deliberating on suitable custodial arrangements and the potential process for her eventual repatriation to India.

Earlier in the day, hopes for an immediate release were dashed as Sakina was seen being transported back to Kashimpur Jail in a prison van. This reporter witnessed an emotionally distressed Sakina weeping inside the vehicle, repeatedly asking about her daughter and expressing confusion over the delay in her release.

The final verdict, delivered in the evening, cleared all legal obstacles for her release into Jakia's custodial care.

Release and emotional reunion

On November 24, Jakia arrived at Kashimpur Jail to complete the formalities for Sakina's release. By evening, the procedures were finalised, and Sakina was officially released into Jakia's custody.

Speaking to The Wire, a visibly relieved Sakina Begum stated, "I feel much more at peace now. I am headed to my niece’s (Jakia's) home. I extend my deepest gratitude to Jakia, the journalists, and everyone who fought for my freedom. May Allah bless them all."

Her return to Bhashantek was met with emotional scenes. Jakia's daughter broke down in tears upon their arrival, and Sakina was also overcome with emotion. Later, Sakina connected with her daughters in India via a video call. Her daughter Rasia Begum expressed profound gratitude to all those involved in securing the bail.

An uncertain road ahead

While her release from jail marks a critical milestone, Sakina Begum now confronts a complex legal and bureaucratic challenge: returning to her family in Nalbari, Assam.

The question of how her repatriation will be processed remains unanswered, presenting a new struggle for Jakia, who must now navigate seeking assistance from relevant authorities and human rights organisations to facilitate the cross-border return.

Sakina expressed her eagerness to return home swiftly. However, with no clear timeline or procedure in place, an air of uncertainty and anxiety hangs over her and her family, for whom her homecoming remains a distant hope.

Parvez Ahmad Rony is a journalist based in Dhaka, working with Drik.

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