Biharis in Bangladesh: Desperation and Broken Promises
The Forgotten Camps: Life for Urdu-Speaking Biharis in Bangladesh
Table of Contents
A Legacy of Displacement
Dhaka, Bangladesh – Inside the Geneva Camp, a sprawling settlement in the heart of the capital, 18-year-old Md. EmonS home is barely larger than a single bed. His family of seven shares this cramped space,a common reality for many within the camp’s narrow passageways,where multiple generations often reside together. This is not an isolated case; it’s the daily existence for Emon and the vast majority of Biharis in Bangladesh.
The Bihari community traces its roots back to the 1940s, when Urdu-speaking people migrated from the northeastern Indian state of Bihar to what was then East Pakistan. Following the 1971 Liberation War, these communities found themselves marginalized and displaced. Today, an estimated 116 camps across Bangladesh house these communities, with Geneva Camp being the largest, home to between 30,000 and 50,000 people.
Limited Opportunities and a Cycle of Disadvantage
for many young Biharis,like Emon,the path to upward mobility is severely restricted. Emon’s formal education ended after the 10th grade, a consequence of systemic barriers to accessing higher education. Admission to upper schools and universities remains a important challenge for residents of geneva Camp and other similar settlements. “I stopped trying,” Emon admits, a sentiment reflecting the pervasive sense of hopelessness among his peers.
Despite these obstacles, Emon has found a way to support himself, running a small clothing store - a space scarcely bigger than a box.His social circle remains largely confined to the camp, highlighting the limited opportunities for integration and broader social interaction.
Understanding the Bihari Community in Bangladesh
Bangladesh, officially the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, came into being in 1971 after seceding from Pakistan (Nations Online project). The country is situated in the fertile delta of the Ganges (Padma) and Brahmaputra rivers, a geography that profoundly shapes its environment and way of life (Britannica). While predominantly Bengali, both ethnically and linguistically, Bangladesh is also home to significant minority groups, including the Biharis.
The Bihari community’s situation is complex, stemming from the political upheaval surrounding the partition of India and Pakistan. Their Urdu language and cultural ties to Pakistan often led to discrimination and marginalization in post-independence Bangladesh. the camps, initially established as temporary settlements, have become enduring symbols of this displacement and lack of integration.