Currently, UNHCR is not aware of any stateless populations in Bangladesh.
There are three groups that UNHCR considers at risk of statelessness.
1. Urdu-speakers:
Since 2009, the Urdu-speaking population now have the right to citizenship and all rights that come with it - voting, education etc. However, there are reports that some Urdu-speakers have difficulties in realising those rights - for example some have been denied passports.
2. Children of Mixed Parentage:
After a thorough revision of Bangladesh’s citizenship laws, UNHCR has identified several groups of children of mixed parentage who are at risk of statelessness. The risks of statelessness that are associated with Bangladesh’s citizenship law; practices in birth registration; lack of awareness of parents about the need to register the birth of their children; lack of awareness of local officials on laws related to birth registration; and lack of financial means to pay the fine resulting from delayed birth registration at the Embassy, are being monitored to see if any interventions may be required.
3. Bangladeshi Residents in Indian Enclaves:
Since 2011, there has been increased speculation about a possible enclave swap between India and Bangladesh. At present, the matter has not yet been ratified by the Indian parliament; however the following issues may increase the risks of statelessness in the event of a swap:
- Lack of clarity about the actual number of residents;
- Inconsistency in terms of documentation proving nationality;
- Lack of legislation that would ensure the right of option in a non-discriminatory way;
- any withdrawal of nationality by the predecessor State should not take place before the acquisition of nationality in the successor State.
UNHCR will continue to follow the situation closely, so that in the event of a swap, the office can better position itself to provide the Government with technical support and minimize the risk of statelessness.