History of Indians in Bangladesh in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 28, 2025

Reports suggest a significant number of Indians reside in Bangladesh, with estimates varying. A 2009 survey indicated approximately 500,000 Indians illegally residing in Bangladesh, working in sectors like NGOs, garments, textiles, and IT, and allegedly sending remittances home via informal channels. By 2022, some sources estimated the number to be around one million. More recently, in 2024, Adviser Asif Nazrul claimed the number of illegal Indian workers in Bangladesh to be 2.6 million.

2009: 500,000 Indians staying illegally in Bangladesh

In 2009, a survey reported in The Financial Express estimated that approximately 500,000 Indians were residing illegally in Bangladesh, working in sectors like NGOs, garments, textile, and IT, and transferring money back to India through unofficial channels.

2013: Bangladesh fifth-highest source of remittances to India

In 2013, according to World Bank estimates reported by Quartz India, Bangladesh was the fifth-highest source of remittances to India, with Indians working in Bangladesh sending over $3.7 billion back to India.

July 2016: Four thousand Indians took refuge in Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh

In July 2016, four thousand Indians sought refuge in Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh, due to floods in West Bengal, India.

2017: Bangladesh becomes 4th largest remittance source for India

According to a report of The Daily Industry, since 2017, Bangladesh became the 4th largest remittance source for India, remitting over $10 billion.

June 2021: Arrest of 11 Indians at Padma Bridge construction site

On June 26, 2021, Bangladeshi army patrolmen arrested 11 Indian citizens from the Padma Bridge construction site for illegal trespassing. They were detained, and subsequently jailed after undergoing mental health evaluation.

2022: One million Indians in Bangladesh illegally

According to Daily Industry, in 2022, it was estimated that there may have been one million Indians residing illegally in Bangladesh.

2023: Outward remittances stood at $130.6 million

In the first 10 months of fiscal year 2023-24, the total outward remittances from Bangladesh to India stood at $130.6 million, as per the finance minister of Bangladesh.