Why Bangladeshi Nationals are Gathering at West Bengal Border, Why They Want to Return to Their Country
A massive gathering of Bangladeshi nationals has been reported at the West Bengal border, particularly at the Hakimpur checkpost in the Swarupnagar police station area, where hundreds were seen attempting to return to Bangladesh on Monday morning. This influx follows reports regarding the initiation of the State-Level ISIR process in West Bengal, prompting fears among illegal immigrants.
As the SIR process begins in West Bengal, hordes of Bangladeshi immigrants living illegally in India are now fleeing back to Bangladesh. Hundreds of immigrants from Satkhira and Khulna districts were seen trying to return to Bangladesh with heavy luggage at the Hakimpur checkpost in the Swarupnagar police station area.
Observers noted that by Monday morning, about 300 Bangladeshi nationals were waiting to cross the border, leading to heightened tensions in the local area.
Many have even acquired Indian documents for daily activities
Many people in the crowd openly identified themselves as Bangladeshi nationals. They included migrant workers such as rickshaw pullers, construction workers, and kiln workers, primarily from the Satkhira and Khulna districts of Bangladesh. Abdul Sarkar, a resident of Satkhira, shared that he had been living in Kolkata and had even acquired Indian documents for daily activities. However, the news of the impending verification drive compelled him to return home with his family.
Increase in security and surveillance at the border
Local residents have observed an increase in security and surveillance at the border. Reports indicate that illegal Bangladeshi immigrants—men, women, and children—began gathering near the border with heavy bags of belongings since Sunday night. Nevertheless, local police and the Border Security Force (BSF) have not confirmed any official citizenship verification drive in the area.
Infiltration and illegal migration have long been contentious issues in West Bengal, and this recent incident has once again drawn attention to the plight of Bangladeshi immigrants. The BSF has stepped up surveillance in the region, allowing only those returning to cross after verifying their identities.