Older refugees blame Pakistan for the mess they are in. After four rounds of repatriation of some 175,000 Biharis between 1974 and 1992, the rest have been left to languish in camps, they say. Refugees under 35 years are increasingly reluctant to share their parents' hopes of migrating to Pakistan. Born in Bangladesh, they want to become Bangladeshi citizens. Our children are now studying in Bangladeshi schools and speak Bangla.
Bangladeshi culture is now our culture.
We have no intention to go to Pakistan if the Bangladesh government gives us citizenship, voting rights and other facilities,'' he says determinedly. Some refugee leaders are now publicly making this demand. Urging the government to accept them as nationals, he said Pakistan has betrayed them. Pakistan is testing nuclear bombs and weapons and also providing help to Kashmiris fighting against India. But it is a matter of shame to say that Pakistan cannot afford the burden of its own citizens stranded in Bangladesh,'' said Khan.