Literature Review of Research on Biharis Issue

Abstract

During the partition, approximately 1.3 million Urdu-speaking Muslims, suffering communal riots, migrated to the former East Pakistan. They were known as Biharis. The Pakistan ruling class prefered Biharis due to their Muhajir status. Therefore, they supported Pakistani domination consciously. Some Biharis joined the Pakistan army during the Bangladesh Liberation War. All Biharis were considered traitors. A number of Biharis opted for Pakistan. Despite a repatriation process lasting over 20 years, many Biharis still stranded. The Biharis were granted Bangladeshi citizenship in 2008. However, they continue to face challenges integrating into mainstream in terms of education, employment, travel and residence. Since the 1970s, extensive research has been conducted by the international academic community on various aspects related to the origin of Biharis, repatriation efforts, identity issues and human rights. With the influence of international academics, there has been an increasing focus within Chinese academics on the plight of Biharis. The Biharis issue remains further study from various perspectives and angles. We can understand nation-state construction processes as well as examining geopolitical dynamics within South Asia from an ethnic perspective.