Assam Government Denies Consular Access to Bangladeshi Mission for Over 20 Months
Prolonged Denial of Consular Access
Office of Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner in Guwahati.
GUWAHATI, June 22: The Assam administration has not granted consular access to the Bangladeshi diplomatic mission for nearly 20 months, marking a significant duration for such a denial, as the state continues its crackdown on individuals suspected of being from Bangladesh.
According to officials from Assam’s Home and Political department, the state has faced challenges due to cross-border migration, security threats, and resource strain, leading to this 'policy decision'.
“Currently, there is no chance of responding positively to requests for consular access in the foreseeable future,” a source revealed.
Recently, 14 individuals believed to be Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended in Guwahati, with the latest incident involving 13 individuals, including men, women, and children, detained in Arya Nagar on Friday.
“The Assistant Commissioner’s Office for Bangladesh in Guwahati is unaware of how many suspected Bangladeshi nationals are currently imprisoned in Assam,” officials stated.
“Consular access is crucial as it allows foreign representatives to meet their detained nationals, ensuring their rights are upheld and legal procedures for repatriation are followed. While such visits are standard practice across India, Assam's extended denial is notable, especially given its recent policy aimed at repelling illegal immigrants,” an official commented.
In contrast, other Northeastern states under the jurisdiction of the Assistant Commissioner’s office, with the exception of Tripura, which is managed by a different consulate in Agartala, continue to allow regular jail visits.
“This is the longest period without consular access between India and Bangladesh in recent history,” noted an official familiar with the situation.
“Even during politically tense times, access was preserved as a means of building trust.”
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently stated that individuals identified as foreigners by Foreigners Tribunals would be deported to Bangladesh within a week. He mentioned that nearly 300 individuals have already been expelled under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, and pledged to accelerate the process.