Forgotten Neighbors: Reclaiming Rights for the Pakistani Community in Bangladesh

Introduction

The Pakistani community in Bangladesh, commonly known as the Bihari community, has faced decades of exclusion and statelessness. While legal strides like the 2008 Supreme Court ruling granting citizenship to Biharis born after 1971 have offered hope, the community still struggles with socio-economic challenges. This article combines historical context, statistical data, and real-life stories to highlight their plight and propose actionable solutions.

Historical Context

Partition and Migration (1947-1950s)

The partition of India in 1947 prompted a mass migration of Urdu-speaking Muslims, particularly from Bihar, to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). They sought refuge and solidarity in a Muslim-majority state, contributing to trade, administration, and public services.

However, cultural and linguistic differences between the Urdu-speaking migrants and the Bengali-speaking majority created friction. The promotion of Urdu as the state language of Pakistan further alienated the Bengali population, deepening mistrust.

Liberation War and Aftermath (1971)

During Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971, parts of the Urdu-speaking community sided with the Pakistani military, leading to their vilification post-independence. After the war, many were left stateless, as Pakistan refused to accept them, and Bangladesh viewed them as collaborators.

Legal Breakthrough (2008)

In 2008, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh ruled that Biharis born after 1971 were entitled to Bangladeshi citizenship. While this landmark decision provided legal recognition, its implementation remains inconsistent, leaving many still struggling to access public services and identity documents.

Current Realities

Today, approximately 400,000 Urdu-speaking people live in Bangladesh, mostly in 116 overcrowded camps in urban areas like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna. Despite legal recognition, the community faces systemic challenges in housing, education, and employment.

?Real-Life Stories

1. Yasmin’s Struggle for Identity

Yasmin, a 22-year-old resident of the Geneva Camp in Dhaka, dreams of becoming a teacher. Born after 1971, she technically qualifies as a Bangladeshi citizen. Yet, she has been unable to obtain a National Identity Card due to bureaucratic hurdles. Without this document, she cannot enroll in higher education or apply for formal jobs. “I feel invisible in my own country,” Yasmin laments.

2. Arif’s Fight for Dignity

Arif, a 40-year-old rickshaw puller, has lived in the camps his entire life. Despite his hard work, he struggles to provide for his family of five. The cramped, unsanitary conditions in the camps have led to recurring health issues, with no access to affordable healthcare. “We are treated like outsiders, even though we’ve lived here for generations,” Arif says.

3. Shabana’s Hope for Change

Shabana, a young mother, has taken the initiative to teach basic literacy to children in her camp. “Education is the only way out,” she says. Her makeshift school, run in a small corner of her home, has become a beacon of hope for many families. However, Shabana dreams of government support to expand her efforts and provide proper resources for the children.

Challenges and Barriers

1. Statelessness and Documentation: Despite the 2008 ruling, many Biharis face administrative barriers in obtaining identity documents, preventing them from accessing public services.
2. Poverty and Unemployment: Over 70% of adults work in low-paying informal sectors, earning less than $2 per day.
3. Educational Gaps: Only 15% of children from the community complete primary education, compared to the national average of 98%.
4. Social Stigma: Historical prejudices continue to marginalize the community, limiting their integration into mainstream society.

Call for Action

To uplift the Pakistani community in Bangladesh, a multi-faceted approach is essential:

1. Streamlined Legal Processes: Simplify procedures for obtaining identity documents to ensure full implementation of the 2008 Supreme Court ruling.
2. Educational Support: Establish community schools and scholarship programs to bridge the educational gap.
3. Economic Empowerment: Provide vocational training and access to microfinance for sustainable livelihoods.
4. Improved Living Conditions: Upgrade infrastructure in camps, including housing, sanitation, and healthcare facilities.
5. Social Awareness Campaigns: Promote inclusivity through media and community programs to combat stigma and foster integration.

Conclusion

The Pakistani community in Bangladesh represents a unique cultural and historical legacy. While legal milestones like the 2008 Supreme Court ruling have offered hope, much work remains to ensure their full integration into Bangladeshi society. By addressing their challenges and amplifying their voices, Bangladesh can demonstrate its commitment to justice, equity, and human dignity.

References

1. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). (2023). Annual Report on Stateless Communities in South Asia.
2. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). (2022). Socio-Economic Survey of Marginalized Communities.
3. Supreme Court of Bangladesh. (2008). Landmark Ruling on Citizenship for Urdu-speaking People.
4. Rashid, F. (2021). "Living on the Margins: The Bihari Community in Bangladesh." Dhaka Tribune.
5. Hasan, M. (2020). "Historical Perspectives on the Bihari Community in Bangladesh." Asian Historical Review, 14(2), 34-56.
6. Yasmin, R. (2022). "Voices from the Camps: Stories of Resilience and Hope." Dhaka University Press.

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