India Deports Over 300 ‘Foreigners’ Into Bangladesh, Raising Human Rights Alarms

Guwahati, India – June 2025 — India’s northeastern state of Assam has forcibly deported over 300 people into Bangladesh since May, as part of an intensified push to expel those declared “foreigners” by the state’s controversial Foreigners Tribunals. The move has triggered widespread concern from human rights activists, who warn of arbitrary expulsions and discrimination, particularly targeting Muslims.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that 303 individuals had been pushed across the border, with many more to follow. He cited pressure from India’s Supreme Court to act swiftly on deportation orders, stating: “We have to be more active and proactive to save the state.”

Critics argue the tribunals disproportionately affect impoverished Muslim residents, many of whom lack documentation but have lived in India for generations. Aman Wadud, a citizenship lawyer and opposition figure, described the pushbacks as “arbitrary” and said the campaign has created “panic on the ground—more than ever before.”

One high-profile case involved Khairul Islam, a former schoolteacher whose appeal was still pending when he was detained, blindfolded, and expelled. After being stranded in no man’s land, he was eventually returned to India following intervention by his wife.

While the Assam government claims no “genuine Indian” will be expelled, it admitted that at least four people were wrongly deported and had to be brought back.

The Bangladeshi government has acknowledged contact with India over the expulsions but has not issued an official statement. Meanwhile, similar actions are underway in other states, including Ahmedabad, where police say 250 suspected Bangladeshi immigrants have been identified for deportation.

Rights groups have warned that India risks violating international human rights norms, particularly if due process is not followed or if expulsions target specific communities.