Dr. Syed Anwar Husain, Professor, BUP

It is a matter of great tension and fear to keep 40 lakh Bangla-speaking people at the risk of getting deported from Assam. They are in fear of losing their citizenship—a matter that is highly unexpected. Even the West Bengal chief minister has criticised the move which may affect the ties between Bangladesh and India.

Why was it necessary to prepare the list? Communication of the people between the neighbouring countries will continue. And, we do have to accept the fact, I feel. People cannot be divided; they will come and go, with many being migrants. We have to accept the reality.

Many Bangladeshi is selling his labour at cheap rates in Assam. The role of Bangalees in the stunning development of Assam is great. India can take a lesson from the outcome of Myanmar carrying out a crackdown in its Rakhine state.

Based on an interview by Ashgiq Rahman, translated by Sayeed Muhammad