Siliguri Hotels Ban Bangladeshi Guests Amid Rising Communal Violence

Siliguri, India: The Greater Siliguri Hoteliers Welfare Association has announced a strict ban on accommodating Bangladeshi nationals in any hotel across Siliguri. Even visitors arriving on medical visas will no longer be allowed to stay, citing ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh as the reason.

Ujjwal Ghosh, Joint Secretary of the association, stated, “Considering the situation in Bangladesh over the past year, we had earlier decided not to provide lodging to Bangladeshi tourists. Initially, for humanitarian reasons, we allowed only medical and student visa holders. However, due to the worsening conditions, we have now revoked even this exception. Our nation comes first, followed by business interests.”

Ban Notices Displayed at Hotels
Several hotels in the Junction area have displayed notices declaring a complete ban on Bangladeshi guests. Some transport operators have also placed stickers on their vehicles and stopped providing services to Bangladeshi citizens.

Hotel manager Dilip Mallik explained, “While Bangladeshis enjoy many facilities in India, violence against Bengalis and Hindus continues in Bangladesh. Such acts are unacceptable, and therefore, our hotel has decided to refuse accommodation to Bangladeshi tourists.”

Local traders have also expressed strong opposition. Sujan Das, a merchant from the Junction area, said, “We demand a complete halt to all import and export activities between India and Bangladesh. Bangladeshi nationals should be denied services including transport, lodging, sales, and even medical care. A full boycott of Bangladesh is necessary.”

India-Bangladesh Tensions Escalate
This move comes amid nationwide outrage over reports of atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. On December 18, Hindu laborer Deepu Chandra Das was brutally murdered in Maymansingh, his body hanged and burned. Widespread protests and condemnation have erupted across India following this horrific incident.