Bangladesh Violence Sparks Concerns Over Rohingya Infiltration into India

Dhaka, Bangladesh: Ongoing unrest in Bangladesh following the killing of student leader Sharif Usman Hadi has raised security concerns in India. Intelligence agencies are warning that the current chaos could provide an opportunity for Rohingya Muslims to cross into India.

Law and Order Collapse
Bangladesh is currently facing widespread turmoil and violence, with law and order severely disrupted in Dhaka and other major cities. The instability has sparked fears in India, particularly regarding the movement of Rohingya refugees. Large numbers of Rohingya already reside in Bangladesh, and the ongoing civil unrest, combined with the conflict in Myanmar, may push more to attempt cross-border entry into India.

Potential Infiltration Routes
According to top intelligence sources cited by News18, most Rohingya try to enter India through river routes in West Bengal and forested paths in Assam and Tripura. Some extremist groups are reportedly helping them use fake documents and smuggling networks to reach India, Malaysia, and Gulf countries.

Indian security agencies have already arrested several Rohingya-linked individuals in Assam, West Bengal, Jammu, Delhi, and Hyderabad. These arrests confirm that camps in Bangladesh are functioning as feeder zones for illegal entry into India. Sources note that Rohingya migrants are often provided with protection, financial assistance, or ideological backing by these networks.

Fake Identity Networks
Another method facilitating infiltration is the use of fake identification documents, which complicates tracking and verification. Rohingya migrants are reportedly settling rapidly in urban areas and taking informal jobs where verification is weak, allowing them to blend into local communities.

Security and Social Concerns
Intelligence reports warn that extremist groups may exploit Rohingya migrants to spread violence, making their entry a dual concern—both from a security and social cohesion perspective. The increasing Rohingya population in India could heighten social tensions and create future security challenges.

Roots of the Violence in Bangladesh
The recent unrest in Bangladesh was triggered by the killing of young leader Sharif Usman Hadi. Hadi had been a prominent figure in anti-government protests against Sheikh Hasina’s administration and was preparing to contest the February elections. Following his death, riots, arson, and destruction erupted across Dhaka and other major cities.