Indian authorities have forcibly deported hundreds of ethnic Bengali Muslims to Bangladesh in recent weeks, labeling them as “illegal immigrants” without providing due process, according to Human Rights Watch. The expulsions, which began intensifying in May 2025, have affected over 1,500 individuals, including men, women, and children, many of whom are Indian citizens from states like Assam and West Bengal. Reports indicate that some were detained arbitrarily, with no access to legal representation or the ability to appeal.
The operations, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, have drawn criticism for targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims, raising concerns about discrimination based on religion and ethnicity. Local lawyers in Assam have reported cases where individuals with valid Indian identity documents were detained and expelled. Posts on X have highlighted public outcry, with activists and opposition leaders condemning the lack of transparency and legal oversight in these actions.
Human Rights Watch has called for India to adhere to international human rights standards, ensuring procedural safeguards such as access to legal counsel and appeal processes. The organization also noted that the Indian government has not responded to inquiries about these expulsions. This situation has strained relations with Bangladesh, as the lack of diplomatic coordination has left many families separated and without recourse.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 24th, 2025
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