Stranded Pakistanis facts for kids

Stranded Pakistanis, also known as Biharis, are a group of people mainly from the Bihari ethnic group. They live in Bangladesh today. These people moved to what was then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) hoping to become part of Pakistan. However, after East Pakistan became Bangladesh in 1971, they could not move to Pakistan. They still say they are Pakistani citizens.

Who Are the Stranded Pakistanis?

The Stranded Pakistanis are a community of people who have faced a unique challenge for many years. They are often called Biharis because many of them came from the Bihar region of India. They moved to East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh, before 1971. Their dream was to live in Pakistan.

A Look Back: India's Partition

To understand their story, we need to go back to 1947. This was when British India was divided into two new countries: India and Pakistan. This event is known as the Partition. Pakistan was created as a homeland for Muslims in the region. It had two parts: West Pakistan (today's Pakistan) and East Pakistan (today's Bangladesh).

Many Muslims, including Biharis, moved from India to these new Pakistani areas. The Biharis mostly settled in East Pakistan. They felt a strong connection to the idea of Pakistan. They learned the Urdu language, which was the official language of Pakistan.

The Birth of Bangladesh in 1971

Life in East Pakistan was not always easy. People there, mostly Bengalis, felt that West Pakistan treated them unfairly. They wanted more rights and control over their own region. This led to a big conflict and a war in 1971.

After a tough fight, East Pakistan became an independent country called Bangladesh. This was a huge change for everyone living there. For the Biharis, it meant their dream of being part of Pakistan was suddenly much harder to achieve.

Why Couldn't They Move?

When Bangladesh became independent, many Biharis wanted to move to Pakistan. They still felt loyal to Pakistan. However, moving a large number of people across such a long distance was very difficult. Pakistan also faced many challenges after the war. As a result, most Biharis could not move to Pakistan. They were left in Bangladesh, feeling "stranded."

Life in Bangladesh Today

Many Stranded Pakistanis have lived in Bangladesh for over 50 years. They have faced many difficulties. Their lives are often very different from other people in Bangladesh.

Living in Camps

A large number of Biharis live in special camps. These camps were set up after the 1971 war. The living conditions in these camps can be very basic. Homes are often small and crowded. Access to clean water, good sanitation, and proper healthcare can be limited.

Children in these camps might not have the same chances for education as others. Many families struggle to find steady jobs. This makes it hard for them to improve their lives.

The Fight for Citizenship

For a long time, the Stranded Pakistanis were not officially citizens of Bangladesh. This meant they did not have the same rights as other Bangladeshis. They could not vote, own land easily, or get government jobs.

In 2008, a court in Bangladesh ruled that many Biharis born after 1971 were citizens of Bangladesh. This was a big step forward. It gave them more rights and opportunities. However, some older Biharis still hope to move to Pakistan. They continue to claim Pakistani citizenship.

What's Next for the Biharis?

The situation for the Stranded Pakistanis is slowly changing. Many younger Biharis are now accepting Bangladesh as their home. They are trying to build better lives there. They want to go to school, find jobs, and be fully part of Bangladeshi society.

Governments and aid groups are working to help improve their living conditions. They are also trying to make sure everyone has access to education and healthcare. The story of the Stranded Pakistanis is a reminder of how big historical events can affect people's lives for many generations.