Despite the historical fact that Bangladesh was formerly East Pakistan, the term 'Pakistani Bengali' is now no longer popularly used. However, a large population of nearly 2 million exists.[3] The majority of Bengali residents in Pakistan are denied the right to vote, effectively excluding them from local politics. Consequently, local leaders often overlook their basic needs.
The absence of strong
bilateral communication between the two nations prevents Pakistani Bengalis from visiting relatives in Bangladesh or sending financial support. Local employers practice hiring Bangladeshis because their charges for work are lower than local Pakistanis.[4] Their lack of citizenship documentation makes them vulnerable to exploitation by employers. Additionally, the absence of a birth registration certificate (referred to as a B-form) has obstructed the education of many and, without a
Computerised National ID Card (CNIC), barred them from pursuing high-paying job opportunities.[5]
History
Pre-1947
The founding members of the Pakistani Bengali community were early migrants from
East Bengal who arrived in
Sindh during the early 20th century. This community of early Bengali settlers
assimilated into Pakistani culture and adopted
Urdu or became bilingual
Bengali speakers.
1947-1971
After Pakistan's independence in 1947, a large influx of Bengalis arrived in Karachi from
East Pakistan to
West Pakistan. In 1971, some Bengalis opted to return to the newly independent Bangladesh while others opted to remain in Pakistan.
Post-1971
Thousands of East Pakistan Bengalis were living in West Pakistan before the
1971 war and Bangladeshi immigrants arrived in Pakistan right after their war against the same country. These Bengalis were Pakistan supporters, however, due to the political climate of the war they were not socially accepted or granted citizenship of Pakistan.[6] By 1995, continuous migration of Bangladeshis crossed the 1,500,000 mark. During the administration of
Prime MinisterBenazir Bhutto, members of the political party became concerned with the large Bangladeshi migrant population, afraid they could become the second largest group in Karachi after the
Muhajir people and disturb sensitive demographics. Accordingly, Bhutto ordered a crackdown and deportation of Bangladeshi immigrants. Benazir Bhutto's action strained and created tensions in
Bangladesh–Pakistan relations, with
Khaleda Zia, who was in power in
Dhaka during the time, refusing to accept the deportees and reportedly sending two planeloads back towards Pakistan and Muslim political parties in Pakistan criticising Bhutto and dubbing the crackdown as anti-Islamic. She was ultimately forced to abandon the order.[3][7]
In 2021, it was reported that over two million Bangladeshis illegally resided in Pakistan. The Bangladeshi government has refused to accept refugees because it is government policy to not accept citizens who left the country illegally.
Demographics
According to Shaikh Muhammad Feroze, chairman of the Pakistani Bengali Action Committee, over 200 settlements of Bengali-speaking people exist in Pakistan (mainly in
Sindh) of which 132 are in Karachi while other smaller communities exist in
Thatta,
Badin,
Hyderabad,
Tando Adam and
Lahore.[8] There are numerous
Bengali colonies in Karachi, often called "Little Bangladesh" (or East Pakistan Colony in memorandum),[9] such as
Machar Colony,
Musa Colony and
Chittagong Colony. Colorful Bengali signboards, Bhashani caps,
lungis and
kurtas are often seen in these areas of Karachi and remain unique.[9] The Chittagong Colony has a
bazaar, which is famous throughout Pakistan as the center for
Dhaka cloth.[10] In more recent times, the Bengali population has seen a decline as the journey from Bangladesh is dangerous and crosses the tense India-Pakistan border.[11][12] Furthermore, given the tense ethnic rivalries and lack of social acceptance in Pakistan, Bengalis have now been migrating elsewhere.[12] Instances of Bengali Pakistanis being denied access to essential public services, such as hospitals and clinics, are frequently reported. Several cases have emerged where Bengalis, despite possessing official
Pakistani National Identity Cards (NIC), were rejected by hospitals and denied medical assistance solely due to their Bengali heritage.[13]
Muhammad Ali Bogra, Pakistani Politician who served as Pakistan's third Prime Minister (1953-55) and also as foreign minister (1954-55 and 1962-63).
Alamgir, a popular
Pakistani pop singer in the 1970s and 80s, known as founder of pop in Pakistan.
Hassan Jahangir, famous Pakistani popstar and singer of
Hawa Hawa. Born in Karachi to Bengali parents.
Robin Ghosh, Pakistani music composer and playback singer.[14]
Shabnam, one of Pakistan's most popular actresses.[15]
Rahman, one of Pakistan's most popular actors, famously paired with Shabnam.
Runa Laila, singer who later moved back to Bangladesh.
Shahnaz Rahmatullah, singer who sang Pakistan's two most popular patriotic songs Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan and Sohni Dharti. Later moved back to Bangladesh.
A. K. Fazlul Huq, Pakistani lawyer and politician who was Chief Minister of East Bengal 1954, Interior Minister 1955-56, Governor of East Pakistan 1956-58.
Roopa Farooki – British writer (half Pakistani, half Bangladeshi).
Tariq Fatemi, a Pakistani diplomat who serves as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Foreign Affairs, and previously served as Pakistan Ambassador to the United States and to the European Union.
Abdul Motaleb Malik, politician who was the last civilian governor of East Pakistan.
Mawlana Abdur Rahim, Islamic scholar, politician, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami East Pakistan, and Naib Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan.
Ghulam Azam, politician and Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami East Pakistan and Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh.
Motiur Rahman Nizami, Islamic scholar and politician who led the Islami Chhatro Shongho (student wing of JIEP) and was Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh.
^Karim, Naimul (6 July 2018).
"The struggle to return home". The Daily Star.
Archived from the original on 10 July 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021. It's difficult to state exactly how many Bengalis reside in Pakistan. Various reports however suggest that the figure can vary from around 7 to 20 lakhs, with most of them living in Karachi. Many of these Bangladeshis had found their way into Pakistan in the mid-80s looking for work.
^"Fringe Pakistan: Bengali-speaking Pakistanis demand right to vote". The Express Tribune. 10 March 2012. Retrieved 26 December 2016. Shaikh Muhammad Feroze, the chairman of the committee, said during a press conference on Friday that political parties and the government should acknowledge the sacrifices of their ancestors. 'We live in Sindh and feel proud to be called Sindhis rather than Bengalis. We appeal to Sindhi nationalists and Sindhis to help us in our struggle,' he added. He said that Bengali-speaking people were not given educational rights as they did not possess national identity cards. 'Our children can't get an education after matriculation because colleges ask for the identity cards but the National Database Registration Authority has never accepted us as Pakistani citizens.' Shaikh said that over three million Bengalis and Biharis were grateful to the government for accepting them as Pakistani citizens. 'We postponed a hunger strike planned for 25 March after the government made decisions,' he added. 'We can go on a hunger strike, if our rights are not given.' He claimed that there were 200 settlements of Bengali-speaking people across the country, including 132 in Karachi. They populate different parts of Pakistan, including Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Tando Adam and Lahore.