They can not return home due to lack of clearance from their government, according to sources in the jails.

The Home Ministry, acting on reports by the jail authorities, wrote months ago to the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh to take steps in this regard, but to no effect, the sources said yesterday.

Of the Indianbs, six arre in in Khagrachhari jail and four in Ranagamati jail.

Debu Das, now 26, completed four years' prison term in October 2003 in Khagrachhari jail. He was caught and punished for illegal entry into Bangladesh and possessing arms.

Two others--Bipul Tripura, 30, and Samson Tripura, 29completed one month's prison term on December 5, 2002 for illegal entry. But they are languishing in Khagrachhari jail for about three and a half years.

Mantu Chan, 27, Md. Sajjad Hossain, 20, and Rafiqul Islam, 23, caught for illegal entry and punished, are also waiting for long to return home.

Four other Indians punished for the same offence, are in Rangamati jail for about six months after completing prison terms.

Rangamati jail authorities said they are facing problems in maintaining them as the jail is already overcrowded. This is also a mental torture on them, the officials said.