2 min readKolkataMay 24, 2026 04:13 PM ISTThe newly elected BJP government in West Bengal has prioritized the issue of illegal immigration. (Representational image)The West Bengal Government on Friday ordered the establishment of holding (detention) centres in all districts across the state.The order was issued by the Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department to the state police chief, the Commissioner of Police, the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Kolkata, and the Superintendents of Police in all districts.The order, which is available to The Indian Express, outlines the procedure for the deportation of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas apprehended for their illegal stay in India.“In this connection, it is requested to take initiative/appropriate action for setting up of Holding Centres in the district for apprehended foreigners as well as for the released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation/repatriation in accordance with the MHA guideline under reference,” read the order.The newly elected BJP government in West Bengal has prioritized the issue of illegal immigration. During its first cabinet meeting, the government decided to allocate land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for the fencing of the border with Bangladesh, and has embarked on this initiative with urgency.On May 20, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the government will implement a ‘detect, delete, and deport’ strategy for illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Bengal.Also read: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/detect-delete-deport-suvendus-new-policy-against-infiltrators-in-bengal-10700268/“Those covered under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) are safe here. However, those who are not protected by the CAA and are illegal infiltrators will be arrested by the state police and handed over to the BSF for deportation. Our policy is to detect, delete, and deport,” CM Adhikari emphasized. Additionally, all district police forces, especially in border areas, have been placed on high alert and instructed to identify illegal immigrants.Story continues below this adAccording to sources, the apprehended Bangladeshis will be housed in holding centers or detention facilities alongside released foreign prisoners. They will subsequently be handed over to the BSF for ‘push back’ into Bangladesh.Ravik Bhattacharya is a highly experienced and award-winning journalist currently serving as the Chief of Bureau of The Indian Express, Kolkata. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Ravik possesses deep expertise across a wide range of critical subjects and geographical areas. Experience & Authority Current Role: Chief of Bureau, The Indian Express, Kolkata. Expertise: Extensive reporting across West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and the Andaman Nicobar Islands. Ravik specializes in politics, crime, major incidents and issues, and investigative stories, demonstrating a robust command of complex and sensitive subjects. Experience: His long and distinguished career includes key reporting roles at several prestigious publications, including The Asian Age, The Statesman, The Telegraph, and The Hindustan Times. Ravik's current role marks his second stint with The Indian Express, having previously served as a Principal Correspondent in the Kolkata bureau from 2005 to 2010. Major Award: Ravik's authority and quality of work are substantiated by his winning of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award in 2007 for Political Reporting. Education: His strong academic foundation includes a Bachelor's degree with English Honours from Scottish Church College under Calcutta University, and a PG Diploma in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Ravik Bhattacharya's extensive tenure, specialized beat coverage, and notable award confirm his status as a trusted and authoritative voice in Indian journalism, particularly for stories emanating from Eastern India. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...Advertisement