Dhaka, Dec 02 (V7N) — Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh amidst a student-led mass movement on August 5, leading to political turmoil. However, contrary to claims of a mass exodus of minorities to India, a recent report by The Hindu based on Indian government data reveals no significant increase in illegal border crossings following the fall of the Awami League government.

The report states that from August 5 to November 27, 2024, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) detained 1,393 Bangladeshis attempting to cross into India illegally. This is only a slight increase compared to the 1,144 individuals apprehended between January 1 and August 4, before Sheikh Hasina's departure.

On the other hand, the data also highlights that illegal crossings in the opposite direction—Indians entering Bangladesh—persisted. From January 1 to August 4, 873 Indians were detained at the border, while 388 were apprehended between August 5 and November 27.

In total, BSF detained 3,907 individuals this year for illegal activities along the border. This includes both Bangladeshis attempting to enter India and Indians crossing into Bangladesh.

Despite reports in Indian media suggesting heightened concerns over minority persecution in Bangladesh post-regime change, the data indicates that fears of large-scale illegal immigration are unsubstantiated. The Hindu's analysis concludes that the border dynamics have not drastically shifted following the change in Bangladesh’s political leadership.

The report underscores the complexity of border management issues, which remain a shared challenge for both nations amidst evolving political landscapes.

END/MSS/AJ