03/09/2006

At least 240,000, and as many as 500,000, stateless Biharis live in Bangladesh. The Biharis, many of whom consider themselves Pakistanis, sided with West Pakistan when war broke out between East and West Pakistan. Then in 1971, when East Pakistan became the independent Bangladesh, the Biharis found themselves unwelcome in both countries: Pakistan feared that a mass influx of Biharis could destabilize a fragile and culturally mixed population, and Bangladesh scorned the Biharis for having supported the enemy.

With neither country offering citizenship, the Biharis (also called stranded Pakistanis) have remained stateless for over three decades. They live throughout the country in 70 severely congested camp settlements and in nearby areas. In addition to denial of their fundamental right to a nationality and related civil and political rights, families face humanitarian hardship as well. In addition to living in overcrowded conditions, camp residents lack sources of clean water, suffer health effects from poor drainage and sanitation systems, and have poor access to education and medical facilities.

In February 2006, Refugees International visited several of the camps in Mymensingh, a city on the Brahmaputra River, located 115 km north of Dhaka, the national capital. One stateless Bihari man called Mohammed Ahmed, lives with his family of eight in a curtained off corner in a dark, overcrowded, and crumbling brick building.

Mohammed Ahmed left the Bihar, India, in 1947. As a young man, he experienced the rejection of the Biharis by both Pakistan and Bangladesh. Now, it is not as easy to talk about the future of his family. When asked about their preferences, Mohammed Ahmed’s 19-year old son jumps in and says, “It would be better to live here [Bangladesh].” In response to the same question, Mohammed Ahmed says, “I don’t know what is best for us.” He goes on to explain, that “if Bangladesh accepts us, we will stay here, but otherwise the only way out is to repatriate.”

Recent developments in Bangladesh have left the Bihari community divided. Those who want to remain in Bangladesh have been told that they can register to vote. Those who want to go to Pakistan believe a decision about final status should be made first. The Electoral Commission has not approached Biharis in Mymensingh. Mohammed Ahmed told RI, “No one in my family has registered to vote. When we asked why the EC was not coming to Mymensingh, we were told us that they have not been given any instructions from the authorities.”

In addition, Biharis say it has become increasingly difficult for individuals in Bangladesh to go legally or even illegally to Pakistan. It used to be that a person could pay 20,000-30,000 Taka for a visa or about 30,000-65,000 Taka to get an illegal passport and air ticket. Such arrangements are no longer possible. “Besides,” Mohammed Ahmed says, “it costs too much and life for Biharis in Pakistan is difficult as well.” Mohammed Ahmed’s brother in Pakistan has told him by phone. “We have problems in Pakistan. Sometimes there is discrimination directed at us.”

Refugees International will continue to press both Pakistan and Bangladesh for a final resolution to end the Biharis’ statelessness for those who wish it. We also continue to seek relief and development assistance for them in the interim.