The Centre has stepped up efforts to identify and deport undocumented Bangladeshis and Rohingyas living in Bihar, with fresh directives issued by the Union home ministry following recent political developments in Bangladesh, officials said.
Preparations are under way across the state to trace individuals residing without valid documents. The renewed push follows an earlier order from the home ministry that has gained urgency after a recent review of demographic patterns in Bihar’s border districts.
Mohammad Shadab Mustaq, additional secretary in the state home department, has written to all district magistrates and senior police officials, directing them to begin identification procedures and coordinate across districts to compile data on undocumented residents.
Authorities have been asked to identify Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals staying illegally and initiate steps for their deportation to Bangladesh and Myanmar. After identification, they will be handed over to the respective border authorities, officials said.
The move follows a review reportedly conducted last month by Union Home Minister Amit Shah focusing on demographic changes in border districts. Officials said the latest measures are part of a broader response to those findings.
Districts such as Kishanganj, Araria, Purnia and Katihar have seen the most significant demographic shifts, which authorities attribute to undocumented migration. Smaller populations have also been reported in other parts of the state.
Officials estimate that between 2.5 lakh and 3 lakh undocumented Bangladeshis and Rohingyas may be living in Bihar, though the figures have not been independently verified.
Despite similar directives issued last year, progress had been limited until recently, government sources said.
Under the new measures, biometric data of those identified will be collected and uploaded to a central database maintained by the home ministry to streamline identification and prevent re-entry, officials said.
Special task forces are expected to be set up in each district to oversee the process, with monthly progress reports to be submitted to the Union home ministry.