Ten Bangladeshi Hindus, including five minors, were detained at Ambassa Railway Station in Tripura’s Dhalai district after fleeing alleged persecution in their homeland. The group, comprising two families, crossed the India-Bangladesh border near Kamalpur before being apprehended by local authorities.
Sankar Chandra Sarkar, one of the detainees, revealed that threats from the majority community in their hometown of Dhanpur, Kishoreganj district, forced them to escape. The political shift in Bangladesh following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government reportedly escalated attacks on Hindus, creating a hostile environment.
“We faced relentless threats to our lives and livelihoods,” said Sarkar, who worked as a driver. “Attacks on Hindus have become an everyday affair. Returning to Bangladesh is not an option for us under any circumstances.”
According to Sarkar, their arduous overnight journey involved trekking through forested hills before crossing into India. The group planned to travel to Silchar, Assam, to seek shelter and livelihood opportunities. Sarkar mentioned selling some of their belongings before fleeing but leaving behind significant property and assets.
Sarkar also highlighted the plight of many other Hindu families in Bangladesh, claiming thousands wish to leave but face insurmountable challenges. He contrasted the situation under the Awami League government with the deteriorating conditions after the caretaker government led by Muhammad Yunus assumed power.
“During Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, there was harmony between Hindus and Muslims. Now, harassment is constant,” he added.
Acting on a tip-off, Ambassa police detained the group at the railway station. Authorities confirmed they are conducting an investigation into the case. Sarkar reiterated their resolve to remain in India, even if it means imprisonment.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions along the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border. Over the past four months, more than 550 Bangladeshi nationals and 63 Rohingyas have been arrested in Tripura after crossing the border illegally. In response to the unrest in Bangladesh, the Border Security Force (BSF) has intensified surveillance to curb infiltration and transborder crimes.
The India-Bangladesh border spans five Indian states, including West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Assam. Tripura, with its 856-km border, has become a hotspot for such crossings.
Authorities noted that both Hindu and Muslim Bangladeshis are attempting to enter India, citing growing insecurity and violence in their country. BSF officials confirmed thwarting numerous infiltration attempts in recent months.
The plight of minorities in Bangladesh remains a pressing issue, with reports of escalating violence and persecution. The detention of these ten individuals underscores the growing desperation among vulnerable communities seeking safety and stability.
