I talked to Keramat Bhai about my idea for a work permit for migrants from Bangladesh and how it could legalize temporary migration for purposes of labour. This is discussed in greater detail in the last chapter. Essentially, such a work permit regime would be aimed at developing a legal mechanism which would enable groups of migrants from Bangladesh (and other parts of the region, if necessary) to move into states where workers were required for the following: agricultural operations, construction and fishing and river-related work such as boat-building, They would not be allowed to settle permanently or have the right to vote or purchase land or housing. They would be given the opportunity to repatriate funds to their banks through a bilateral banking arrangement. At the end of one year, they would be given the opportunity to extend their stay by a maximum of one year. They would be housed in specific colonies set up for this purpose which would make monitoring that much easier.

Any ‘leakage’ of workers should bring the wrath of government upon the employer as well as erring district officials and responsible panchayat members. The system of local governance, especially through the Panchayats and Hill Councils, would be extensively used to control such movements.

Keramat Bhai thought about this idea for a while.

‘If we have a parchi, (slip of paper) it will be of help; we will have an identification and we will be able to go and work and return without harassment or fear. It is a good idea. Many of us would be prepared to go under such a system.’ The permit idea was more appealing than slipping across at night, not knowing whether one would be caught, or if one’s contact was ready on the other side, not to mention having to pay out hundreds of rupees in bribes to border guards in both countries. The Indians were tightening up on the Assam side and he did not want to get caught.

There was another major factor in favour of the work permit: local people would get a feeling that the migrants could not intrude on their political and economic rights. It would create a sense of space and tolerance.

It was getting late and time to return to Kurigram. I don’t know if I will see Keramat Bhai again, but if I do, I hope to see him in better conditions at Bepari Para. But then, I wouldn’t be surprised if I bumped into him in Assam. He is not just a migrant; he is also an entrepreneur.