Assam Woman Surfaces in Bangladesh, Claims Forced Deportation by Indian Authorities
Dhubri, Assam: A 50-year-old woman from Assam’s Dhubri district has been discovered in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, under circumstances that have sparked serious questions about her alleged detention and forced expulsion by Indian authorities. Dayjan Bibi, wife of Abdul Rejjak and a resident of Madhusoulmari Gaon Panchayat under Gauripur police station, was found wandering in the Gauripur area of Mymensingh district and subsequently taken into custody by local law enforcement for allegedly crossing the border illegally.
According to Bangladeshi police, Bibi stated she entered Bangladesh via Kurigram approximately a week prior, claiming she was “pushed” across the border by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF). Her account suggests she, along with others, was forcibly transported to the border and expelled from Indian territory. This claim stands in stark contrast to the narrative presented by her family back in Assam.
Abdul Rejjak, Bibi’s husband, has directly accused the Indian police of involvement in his wife’s disappearance. Speaking to local media, Rejjak alleged his wife was deceitfully called for a meeting and later taken away by police officials. He recounted his futile attempts to locate her, including an unhelpful visit to the police station where he was merely told, “Uporor order ase” (There’s an order from higher authorities). He also claimed attempts to trace her through unofficial channels at the Matia Detention Camp in Assam yielded no information. Rejjak suspects that administrative errors in identity documentation, particularly transliteration issues from Bengali to English during surveys, a common problem in the sensitive border region, may have contributed to this perplexing situation.
In her testimony to Bangladeshi police, Bibi identified herself as the daughter of Moynal Sheikh and Sabjan Bibi from Naikur village in Madhusoulmari Gaon Panchayat, Assam. She explained that upon reaching Kurigram, she requested to go to “Gauripur,” intending to return to her native place in Assam. However, locals, misunderstanding her, directed her to Gauripur in Mymensingh district, leading to her current predicament. Speaking fluent Bengali, Bibi has made an emotional appeal to the Mymensingh authorities, pleading for assistance to reunite with her family. “I want to go to my family. Please arrange,” she implored.
Mohammed Didarul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Gauripur police station in Mymensingh, has confirmed her custody, stating that a case has been registered for illegal entry without valid documentation. Bibi was produced in court on May 31, 2025. This unfolding incident is expected to trigger parallel investigations by authorities from both nations, raising critical concerns about cross-border security protocols, identity verification processes, and the potential implications for human rights.
Also read: Supreme Court Directs Petitioner to Guwahati HC on Assam’s ‘Push-Back’ Policy