West Bengal launches deportation campaign targeting Bangladeshi Muslim migrants
India's West Bengal state, newly governed by Prime Minister Modi's BJP party, has launched a "detect, delete and deport" policy targeting undocumented Bangladeshi migrants, with families being brought to border checkpoints for deportation. The policy reflects broader concerns about undocumented immigration along India's 4,096km border with Bangladesh, though critics worry it disproportionately targets Muslims. The campaign has sparked fears among both Bangladeshi migrants and Indian Muslims that religious identity, not just legal status, is driving enforcement.
West Bengal's newly elected BJP government, which came to power in the state for the first time last month, has initiated a crackdown on undocumented migrants from Bangladesh, establishing "holding centres" for detention and deportation. The policy, announced by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, explicitly targets Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, who have historically migrated to Indian states like West Bengal and Assam seeking better economic opportunities. The article documents cases like Raisul Islam, a Bangladeshi worker who came to India two years ago for his wife's medical treatment and stayed for better wages, now facing deportation. Concerns have intensified following a 2025 incident in neighboring Assam where Indian security agencies forcibly sent dozens of Indian Muslims across the border into Bangladesh, accusing them of being undocumented immigrants, raising fears that religious identity rather than legal status may be the primary driver of enforcement. The policy has generated anxiety not only among Bangladeshi migrants but also among sections of India's Muslim population in West Bengal.
What's missing
The article does not provide Bangladesh's official response to the deportation policy or statements from Bangladesh government officials regarding the repatriation of their nationals. Additionally, specific numbers of deportations completed or planned, and the legal framework or international agreements governing deportations between India and Bangladesh, are not detailed.
What different sources said
- Al JazeeraLeft
India’s Bengal pushes out Muslim Bangladeshis, deepening religious tensions
Related
Harry Kane Names France, Argentina, Brazil, Spain as England's Main Threats at 2026 World Cup
England captain Harry Kane identified France, Argentina, Brazil, and Spain as the biggest threats facing the Three Lions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins June 11. Kane emphasized that success requires preparation to face multiple elite teams throughout the tournament, not just in a single match. Kane's assessment reflects England's position among tournament favorites alongside these nations, as the team seeks its first World Cup title since 1966.
Packers' Christian Watson Sets Ambitious Goals After $110 Million Contract Extension
Wide receiver Christian Watson signed a four-year, $110 million contract extension with the Green Bay Packers and outlined personal goals of 1,100+ receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns for the 2026 season. Watson has struggled with injuries throughout his career, appearing in just 48 games over four seasons and never exceeding 620 yards or seven touchdowns in a single year. The goals represent a significant step up from his recent performance but reflect the Packers' confidence in his potential.
Drew Bledsoe Warns Drake Maye to Manage Expectations After Patriots' Super Bowl Run
Former Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe cautioned Drake Maye about the intense pressure that follows a successful season, advising him to temper expectations after the Patriots nearly won the MVP and Super Bowl last year. Bledsoe, who was in a similar position at age 24 with New England before losing his starting job to Tom Brady, warned that high expectations can lead to unfair criticism. The advice comes as Maye heads into his third season facing a more challenging schedule than the Patriots' beneficial one from last year.