Latest news with #Muhajir
News18
11 hours ago
- General
- News18
What Is Dhaka's ‘Mini Pakistan'? Home To Bangladesh's Stranded Pakistanis
Last Updated: A viral video has reignited focus on the forgotten lives of Bangladesh's "Stranded Pakistanis". Tucked away in Dhaka's Mohammadpur area is a densely packed settlement known locally as 'Mini Pakistan'. It is a reference to the Geneva Camp, home to thousands of Urdu-speaking Muslims and Muhajir or Bihari Muslim settlements. A video of the camp shot by influencer RK Sohan went viral bringing attention to the deplorable conditions of the camp. The camp consists of many Urdu-speaking Muslims from Bihar and other parts of India moved to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). They are referred to as 'Stranded Pakistanis" or 'Biharis' by Bangladesh government. A recent report by Bangladesh's Daily Star reported that the settlement now sees regular clashes between armed gangs. These gangs have reportedly stolen guns from police during the recent regime change and clashes that erupted across the country between protesters and police. The protests which led to the regime change was partly hijacked by Islamists who continue to take advantage of the fragile law and order situation of the country. Why Is Geneva Camp Called Mini Pakistan? During the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, most Biharis supported West Pakistan. This made them targets of hostility during and after the war. When Bangladesh became independent, these communities were left stateless and were rejected by both Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Geneva Camp was established by the Red Cross after the war to house these displaced people. It remains one of the most densely populated and underdeveloped urban slums in the city. Locals and outsiders colloquially call it 'Mini Pakistan" because of the population's cultural affinity to Pakistan, especially language (Urdu), food and dress, and due to their historical loyalty to Pakistan. What Is The Legal Status Of Its Residents? For decades, the residents were stateless. In 2008, the Bangladesh High Court ruled that those born in the country after 1971 are Bangladeshi citizens and can vote. Despite this, many still live in limbo as they lack proper documentation, economic opportunities and social integration. The term 'Mini Pakistan" is sometimes used derogatorily, especially by Bangladeshi nationalists. Residents of Geneva Camp often feel marginalized and excluded, though a new generation identifies more with Bangladesh. Pakistan has been largely reluctant to take them back, despite initial promises post-1971. First Published: June 03, 2025, 18:57 IST
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Exiled MQM leader Altaf Hussain's urgent appeal to PM Narendra Modi over Muhajirs
Altaf Hussain, the exiled founder of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), has issued an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to take note of the alleged persecution of the Muhajir community. Muhajirs, who are Urdu-speaking migrants from India that settled in Pakistan post-Partition, were the focus of Hussain's plea, which he delivered during a live broadcast from London. Praising Modi's support for the Baloch people, Altaf Hussain said it is a brave and commendable act. He further urged Modi to voice his support for the Muhajir community, which Altaf claims has faced decades of systemic discrimination, violence and state-sponsored oppression in Pakistan. Highlighting the oppression by Pakistan's military establishment, Altaf Hussain said since Partition, Muhajirs have never been acknowledged as rightful citizens of the country. "The MQM, which has consistently fought for the rights of marginalised communities, has endured multiple military actions,' he said. According to him, these actions have led to the deaths of more than 25,000 Muhajirs and has led to the disappearance of thousands more. He also denounced recent occurrences in the United States, particularly a pro-Pakistan event that took place in Dallas, Texas, on May 23. Hussain mentioned that the Pakistani Consul General in Houston, Aftab Chaudhry, showcased a video at the event depicting Altaf Hussain and the MQM as Indian agents, a claim the MQM leader argues is part of a wider disinformation strategy designed to undermine the Muhajir cause. Hussain expressed that Muhajirs have been rendered voiceless and powerless in Pakistan. He urged Modi to highlight the struggles of the Muhajirs at international platforms and to collaborate with global human rights organisations to ensure their safety, dignity, and fundamental rights. "The Muhajirs are unarmed and endure dire living conditions. For over 61 years, they have faced repeated cycles of economic hardship and physical destruction. Their plight can no longer be ignored," he said. (With ANI Inputs)
India Gazette
7 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
MQM leader Altaf Hussain urges PM Modi to raise Muhajir persecution at global forums
London [UK], May 28 (ANI): The exiled leader and founder of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Altaf Hussain, has made an urgent request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking him to bring attention to the persecution of Muhajirs (Urdu-speaking migrants from India who migrated to Pakistan after Partition) at international venues. This appeal was made during a live broadcast from London. In his remarks, Hussain commended PM Modi for his public support of the Baloch people, calling it a brave and commendable act. He further urged PM Modi to also lend his voice in support of the Muhajir community, which he claims has faced decades of systemic discrimination, violence, and state-sponsored oppression in Pakistan. 'Since the Partition of India, the military establishment in Pakistan has never completely recognised the Muhajirs as legitimate citizens,' Hussain said. 'The MQM, which has consistently fought for the rights of marginalised communities, has endured multiple military actions, leading to the deaths of more than 25,000 Muhajirs and the forced disappearance of thousands more,' he added. He also denounced recent occurrences in the United States, particularly a pro-Pakistan event that took place in Dallas, Texas, on May 23. Hussain mentioned that the Pakistani Consul General in Houston, Aftab Chaudhry, showcased a video at the event depicting Altaf Hussain and the MQM as Indian agents, a claim the MQM leader argues is part of a wider disinformation strategy designed to undermine the Muhajir cause. Hussain expressed that Muhajirs have been rendered voiceless and powerless in Pakistan. He urged PM Modi to highlight the struggles of the Muhajirs at international platforms and to collaborate with global human rights organisations to ensure their safety, dignity, and fundamental rights. 'The Muhajirs are unarmed and endure dire living conditions. For over 61 years, they have faced repeated cycles of economic hardship and physical destruction. Their plight can no longer be ignored,' he said. (ANI)
Hans India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
'Time has come for a powerful response': Owaisi slams Pak, ISI over Pahalgam terror attack
Patna: AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Pakistan and its intelligence agency ISI over the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam where 26 tourists were gunned down after questioning their religion. Addressing a rally at Bahadurganj in Kishanganj district of Bihar, Owaisi condemned the attack in strong terms and extended full support to the Central government in tackling terrorist elements, emphasising that "time has come for a powerful response". 'The killing of 26 innocent tourists in Pahalgam after asking about their religion is highly unfortunate and highly condemnable,' said Owaisi. 'We've seen terror groups from Pakistan commit such heinous crimes before. On this matter, I am standing firmly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Whatever action he decides to take, we are with him. We want justice for the victims,' he said. He directly addressed the ISI chief, rebuking Pakistan's justification of the incident. 'To the ISI chief who's speaking nonsense -- let me remind you, we chose to stay in India in 1947. We rejected Muhammad Ali Jinnah's message. India was, is, and will always be our motherland,' he said. Owaisi went further to criticise Pakistan's internal divisions and failures. 'In Pakistan, people are still divided -- Muhajir, Pathan, Baloch -- and the poverty is so severe that your own people feel uneasy. You have conflicts with Iran and Afghanistan. Pakistan is a failed state, and that's why it tries to create disturbances in India. The time has come for a powerful response to dismantle these terrorist groups,' Owaisi stated. He also responded to critical statements coming from Bangladesh, asserting: 'Those in Bangladesh who are making baseless statements against India should remember - without India, Bangladesh would not have been an independent nation today.' Owaisi commended the Central government for taking tough diplomatic and economic stances: 'I praise the Indian government for suspending all trade and air and water routes used by Pakistan. Whatever missile Pakistan can test -- India is much stronger and more capable.'
