Census data for the years 1981, 1991 and 2001 were analyzed to measure documented population flows from Bangladesh to India and to describe their distribution and stay in India. The limitations of census data as a source of information on international migration are explained. As of 2001, there were 3.1 million and 3.7 million Bangladeshis in India; these are based on place of last residence and place of birth, respectively. The East and Northeast regions received 97 percent of Bangladeshis for the period 1981 to 2001. They also tend to stay for a long period of time in their areas of arrival.
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