The cross-border migration problem between India and Bangladesh is multidimensional, they said, adding that India has taken measures to intercept illegal migrants but the Bangladesh government has denied the movement of irregular migrants.

Prof CR Abrar of Dhaka University presented a keynote paper at the conference on 'Cross-border migration and protection of human rights among the close neighbours in South Asia' organised by Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) in the city.

Experts from Nepal, India, Pakistan also joined the conference and discussed on different issues such as 'Cross-border movement and legal concerns -- key issues in illegal migration', 'Rising concerns: Current country scenario', 'Statistical profile of illegal migrants and their present Status', 'Problem of cross-border illegal trafficking -- Role of legal aid organisations', 'Minority protection concerns and quest for cultural freedom and homogenous community living'.

On the issue of minority protection, Justice Naimuddin Ahmed said only a pluralistic society would succeed to solve the problems of the minorities as well as the consequent migration and trafficking.

"The majority must allow active participation of the minority groups in all major affairs of the country, governance in particular. The basis of a pluralistic society is that the majority must respect all religious, cultural, ethnic, racial and linguistic minorities and must treat all minority groups as equal partners," he added.

On behalf of Legal Aid Services, West Bengal (LASWEB), Dr Satyajit Das Gupta said in the current era of globalisation and in the specific context of the conception of Safta within the broad framework of the Saarc, there is emerging need for rethinking on varied aspects of cross-border migration.

He also suggested initiating serious deliberations and dialogues on sensitisation of the members of law enforcing agencies.

Director of BLAST Taslimur Rahman, Chairman of RMMRU Dr Tasneem Siddiqui, Member of Law Commission Dr Enamul Huq and Dr Kalpana Kannabiran of India also spoke.