West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari called for quicker deportation of alleged illegal Bangladeshi immigrants
May 26, 2026: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday issued a strong warning to alleged illegal Bangladeshi nationals gathered near the Hakimpur checkpoint in Basirhat, urging authorities to accelerate deportation efforts. Speaking to reporters after a high-level administrative meeting in Kalyani, Adhikari said those present near the border should “leave quickly” before stricter government action begins.
Addressing officials from Nadia, Hooghly and North 24 Parganas districts, Adhikari claimed many Bangladeshi nationals had assembled at the checkpoint intending to return to Bangladesh. He also criticised previous governments, accusing them of ignoring infiltration issues for vote-bank politics. According to him, illegal immigration had negatively affected residents of West Bengal and stronger enforcement measures were now necessary.
The BJP leader reiterated his support for a “detect, delete and deport” policy aimed at identifying and deporting alleged illegal immigrants. He also questioned the use of public resources on detained foreigners and said existing laws had not been implemented effectively in the past. Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has reportedly set up holding centres across districts to house apprehended foreigners and released foreign prisoners until deportation procedures are completed.