West Bengal Intensifies Deportation Drive Against Undocumented Bangladeshi Muslims

Authorities in India's West Bengal state have launched a major crackdown on undocumented Bangladeshi migrants, resulting in the detention and deportation of thousands of people, most of them Muslims.

The operation follows the recent election victory of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal. State officials say the campaign is aimed at identifying, detaining and deporting migrants living in India without legal documents.

Hundreds of migrants have been transported to border checkpoints and detention facilities while authorities verify their identities. According to state officials, nearly 5,000 Bangladeshi nationals have already been deported, while hundreds more remain in holding centres awaiting removal.

Many of those affected say they crossed into India years ago in search of employment, better wages and improved living conditions. Some families reported leaving Bangladesh due to economic hardship and settling in Kolkata and surrounding areas, where they worked in construction and other low-income jobs.

The deportation campaign has sparked concern among human rights organizations and civil society groups. Critics argue that the process lacks adequate legal safeguards and could result in wrongful deportations, including cases involving Indian citizens mistakenly identified as foreign nationals.

Bangladesh has also expressed concern over the manner in which deportations are being carried out. Officials in Dhaka have urged India to follow established bilateral procedures for verifying the nationality of individuals before returning them across the border.

Human Rights Watch and other advocacy groups have called on Indian authorities to ensure legal representation for detainees and to prevent arbitrary expulsions.

The issue has further strained relations between India and Bangladesh at a time when both countries are already navigating diplomatic challenges following political changes in Dhaka.

Observers warn that the campaign could deepen religious tensions in West Bengal, where Muslims make up more than a quarter of the state's population, as critics accuse authorities of disproportionately targeting Muslim migrants during the crackdown.

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