Hundreds flee India migrant crackdown towards Bangladesh

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Hundreds of people, primarily undocumented Bangladeshi migrants and Rohingya refugees, have recently crossed from India into Bangladesh following West Bengal's decision to set up detention centers targeting illegal immigrants. This move reflects the BJP-led state government's tough approach on migration after their electoral win, raising concerns about security and demographic shifts while drawing criticism over potential human rights issues.

Hundreds of people have crossed from India into Bangladesh in recent days following government orders to establish detention centers for undocumented Bangladeshi migrants and Rohingya refugees in West Bengal, Indian police said.

The developments come after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, secured a decisive electoral victory in West Bengal earlier this month. The party has adopted a stringent stance aimed at identifying and deporting illegal migrants, citing concerns about national security and demographic changes in border states.

Authorities in West Bengal announced plans last week to create "holding centres" to detain foreigners apprehended within the state, explicitly targeting Bangladeshis and Rohingya refugees. This measure has heightened fears among West Bengal’s approximately 35 million Muslims, many of whom share cultural and linguistic ties with Bangladesh.

Shirshendu Pati, a police officer at the Swarupnagar Police Station near the border, reported that a steady flow of people claiming to be from Bangladesh began arriving on Tuesday. "People who say they are from Bangladesh and want to return home have been coming here since yesterday," he said. According to Pati, about 200 individuals arrived on Tuesday, followed by another 40 on Wednesday morning.

Those arriving were placed in a holding facility while authorities verified their identities and processed necessary documentation. Once cleared, they are handed over to India’s Border Security Force for repatriation to Bangladesh. The local administration has provided food, water, and lodging to those in detention, according to Pati.

The issue of illegal migration has gained prominence within the central government, with Home Minister Amit Shah announcing the formation of a special committee to address demographic changes. In a recent speech, Shah described illegal migration and associated demographic shifts as significant challenges to the country’s security and future stability.

The BJP’s policy has drawn criticism from various quarters concerned about the impact on minority communities and allegations of potential human rights violations. However, government officials maintain the measures are necessary to safeguard national integrity and address illegal cross-border movements.