Bengal Crackdown Pushes Bangladeshis to Border
Hundreds of Bangladeshi nationals allegedly residing in India without valid documents gathered near the Bithari-Hakimpur border exit in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Tuesday, reportedly preparing to return to Bangladesh amid heightened administrative action by the newly formed BJP government. The development comes as authorities intensify implementation of the Centre’s “detect-delete-deport” policy aimed at identifying and removing illegal immigrants from the state.
The sudden movement of people toward the border followed strong remarks from senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who warned suspected infiltrators to leave voluntarily or face strict government action. Speaking after an administrative meeting in Kalyani, Adhikari said the government would not tolerate illegal immigration and instructed officials to accelerate the process of identifying and repatriating undocumented foreign nationals currently detained in different parts of the state.
“Jaldi jaldi bhago, nahi toh jo karna hai sarkar karega,” Adhikari said, in a stern message directed at those allegedly staying in India illegally. His statement has sparked political debate across Bengal, with the BJP defending the move as necessary for national security and demographic balance, while opposition parties accused the saffron camp of attempting to create fear among minority communities.
According to local sources, increased police surveillance and document verification drives in border districts have triggered anxiety among many undocumented residents. Several families were seen carrying belongings and waiting near transit points close to the international border. Security personnel have also stepped up vigilance in the region to prevent any unlawful crossings.
The issue of illegal immigration has remained a politically sensitive topic in West Bengal for years, especially in districts bordering Bangladesh. The BJP has consistently accused the ruling Trinamool Congress government of being soft on infiltration, while the TMC has countered that the BJP is politicising humanitarian and migration-related concerns ahead of elections.
Officials, however, maintained that any action would be carried out strictly according to legal procedures and in coordination with central agencies. The administration is expected to continue verification drives in several districts over the coming weeks.
