September 8, 2025
DHAKA – The Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad has expressed concern that India’s newly enacted Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, could fuel an exodus of minorities and indigenous people from Bangladesh.
The law, which came into force on September 1, 2025, grants exemptions to minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who took refuge in India by December 31, 2024, citing religious persecution. It extends the cut-off date under the earlier Citizenship Act by 10 years.
In a statement issued today, the Oikya Parishad said, “The act will increase the tendency for minorities and indigenous people in Bangladesh to leave the country.”
Signed by presidents Prof Nim Chandra Bhowmik, Ushatan Talukdar and Nirmal Rozario, along with acting general secretary Monindra Kumar Nath, the statement urged the government to seriously consider the policy implications for Bangladesh.
Delivering the statement, Monindra called on the interim government to take “immediate and effective steps to restore confidence and address the trust crisis” among minorities.
The organisation also pressed for stronger minority representation in decision-making and demanded zero tolerance against persecution.
“Disrespect, neglect, and oppression of minorities and indigenous peoples will obstruct sustainable democracy, development, and progress,” the statement warned.
The Oikya Parishad leaders voiced hope that the interim government, keeping democracy and the national interest in view, would act promptly to prevent marginalisation.