Stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh: History, Citizenship, and the Bihari Community
The story of the Stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh is a complex narrative of migration, conflict, and a long struggle for legal identity. Primarily consisting of Biharis and other Urdu-speaking Muhajirs (immigrants), this community emigrated from India to settle in East Pakistan—now Bangladesh—following the partition of India in 1947.
For decades, hundreds of thousands of these individuals have lived in a state of legal limbo, caught between two nations. While many identify with Pakistan, they have spent generations in Bangladesh, leading to a profound crisis of statelessness and a quest for basic civil rights.
Key Facts
- Population: Estimated between 300,000 and 600,000 people.
- Primary Languages: Urdu and Bengali.
- Religion: Majority Sunni Islam, with a significant Shia minority.
- Legal Status: Many were stateless until a 2008 High Court ruling granted citizenship to those who were minors in 1971 or born later.
- Repatriation: Over 170,000 individuals have been repatriated to Pakistan, though the process has largely stalled.
Historical Background and the 1971 Conflict
The Bihari community mainly originates from the Bihar region of eastern India, though the term also encompasses other non-Bengali Urdu speakers who settled in the region as early as the late 19th century.
The community's position became precarious during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Most Biharis sided with West Pakistan, opposing the movement to make Bengali an official language. As East Pakistan fought for independence to become Bangladesh, Biharis were often viewed as symbols of West Pakistani domination. This led to severe persecution, including looting, murder, and rape.
Following the war, the community found itself unwelcome in the newly formed state of Bangladesh. While they sought repatriation to Pakistan, the process was fraught with political and logistical hurdles.
The Struggle for Citizenship and Repatriation
Initially, Pakistan evacuated approximately 83,000 Biharis, including military personnel, civil servants, and hardship cases. In 1974, an agreement was reached for Pakistan to accept another 170,000 refugees, but the process eventually stalled. Pakistan cited its struggle to accommodate Afghan refugees and argued that Bangladesh, as the successor state of East Pakistan, held the responsibility for the remaining population.
For years, the remaining Biharis lived in 66 crowded camps across Dhaka and 13 other regions. This left them stateless—possessing no legal nationality in either country. International bodies, such as Refugees International, have consistently urged both governments to resolve this humanitarian crisis.
Legal Breakthroughs in Bangladesh
The legal tide began to shift in 2003 when a High Court ruling awarded citizenship to ten Biharis. This sparked a generational divide: younger Biharis, born in the camps, were generally elated by the prospect of citizenship, while some older generations remained hopeful for repatriation to Pakistan.
A landmark judgment by the Bangladesh High Court in 2008 further expanded these rights, granting Bangladeshi citizenship to those who were minors in 1971 or born after the war. However, this ruling did not extend to those who were adults during the Liberation War.
Community Advocacy and Cultural Representation
The Stranded Pakistanis General Repatriation Committee (SPGRC), founded in the 1970s by Nasim Khan, has been a primary advocate for those wishing to move to Pakistan. The organization is closely linked to camp communities, such as the Geneva Camp, representing a population estimated between 240,000 and 500,000.
The plight of the Biharis has also been captured in art and media. The novel Of Martyrs and Marigolds by Aquila Ismail details the atrocities committed against Biharis during the 1971 war. Additionally, filmmaker Tanvir Mokammel's 2007 documentary, The Promised Land, explores the despair of those who feel betrayed by the Pakistani government's refusal to accept them.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Population | 300,000 – 600,000 |
| Primary Ethnic Group | Bihari / Urdu-speaking Muhajirs |
| Key Languages | Urdu, Bengali |
| Major Religious Groups | Sunni Islam (Majority), Shia Islam (Minority) |
| Citizenship Status | Partial (Granted to minors/post-1971 born via 2008 ruling) |
| Repatriated to Pakistan | Over 170,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh?
They are primarily Urdu-speaking Biharis and Muhajirs who migrated from India to East Pakistan after the 1947 partition and remained there after Bangladesh gained independence in 1971.
Why were the Biharis considered stateless?
Because they supported West Pakistan during the 1971 war, they were viewed with hostility in Bangladesh, while the Pakistani government eventually stopped accepting them, leaving many without legal citizenship in either nation.
Can all Biharis in Bangladesh now claim citizenship?
Not all. A 2008 High Court ruling granted citizenship to those who were minors in 1971 or born after the war, but it did not cover adults who were present during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
What is the role of the SPGRC?
The Stranded Pakistanis General Repatriation Committee (SPGRC) is an advocacy organization that works toward the repatriation of Urdu-speaking Bihari Muslims to Pakistan.
How many Biharis have successfully moved to Pakistan?
According to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 170,000 Biharis have been repatriated to Pakistan.