Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether it is a fact that Bangladesh has officially refused to acknowledge the illegal migration of Bangladeshis to India;

(b) if so, the details of steps taken to redress the issue in the bilateral understanding between both the countries;

(c) whether Government would make efforts to deal with the issue of illegal migration amicably by both sides; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)

(a) to (d) The issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh is regularly discussed at relevant bilateral meetings, including the Joint Working Group on Security, Director General level talks between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Home Secretary level talks and Home Minister level consultations. India and Bangladesh have put in place mechanisms, including a Coordinated Border Management Plan, to address issues arising from illegal border crossings and incidents on the border and to enhance cooperation between the border guarding forces of the two countries. The two sides are also cooperating in identifying vulnerable patches along the border and taking appropriate steps to prevent illegal activities, including illegal movement across the border. Any Bangladesh national apprehended for illegal stay in India, is deported back to Bangladesh after observing due procedures as per existing law.

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