NewKerala.com

Siliguri Hotels Welcome Bangladeshis Again After 13-Month Political Protest Ban

The Greater Siliguri Hoteliers' Association has lifted its 13-month-old ban on renting rooms to Bangladeshi citizens. The ban was initially imposed as a protest against perceived anti-India activities and violence against minorities in Bangladesh. The decision to revoke it follows Bangladesh's recent general elections and the formation of a new government, fostering hopes for improved bilateral relations. However, the association cautions that the restriction could be reimposed if hostile activities towards India recur.

Key Points: Siliguri Hotels Lift Ban on Bangladeshi Guests After 13 Months

  • Ban lifted after Bangladesh elections
  • Protest against past anti-India activities
  • Ban lasted nearly 13 months
  • Future ban possible if tensions resume
  • District administration formally informed
2 min read

Bengal: Siliguri hoteliers lift ban on renting rooms to B'deshis after 13 months

Siliguri hoteliers end 13-month ban on Bangladeshi tourists, citing improved political relations after Bangladesh elections, but warn it could return.

"Due to the hatred that was spread against India... we had to ban Bangladeshi tourists... after the formation of the new government... there is renewed hope. - Ujjwal Ghosh, GSHA Joint Secretary"

Kolkata, Feb 23

The Greater Siliguri Hoteliers' Association, a leading hoteliers' body based in Siliguri in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, on Monday lifted the ban on renting hotel rooms to citizens of neighbouring Bangladesh, nearly 13 months after the restriction was imposed.

The ban was enforced last year as a mark of protest against what the association described as a series of anti-India activities and incidents involving attacks and killings of minority Hindus in Bangladesh during that period.

The GSHA on Monday issued a notification stating that the decision to lift the ban was taken in view of the improvement in the political situation in Bangladesh following the general elections held earlier this month, which resulted in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) forming the government.

The hoteliers' body also sent a written communication to the District Magistrate of Darjeeling on Monday, formally informing the district administration about its decision to withdraw the restriction on renting rooms to Bangladeshi citizens.

However, at the same time, GSHA office-bearers issued a note of caution, stating that a similar ban could be reimposed in the future if there was any recurrence of anti-India activities in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh witnessed a turbulent political phase following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. Subsequently, several political leaders in Bangladesh made remarks critical of India, with some even issuing statements perceived as hostile towards India's territorial integrity, including references to the northeastern region.

Amid the rising tensions in Bangladesh during that period, the Indian government had temporarily closed its visa centres in the country, affecting cross-border travel and tourism.

Following these developments, several hoteliers' associations in West Bengal, including the GSHA, had imposed restrictions on renting rooms to Bangladeshi nationals as a mark of protest and security precaution.

"Due to the hatred that was spread against India in Bangladesh after the unrest there, we had to ban Bangladeshi tourists following discussions and voting within our association. However, after the formation of the new government there earlier this month, there is renewed hope for restoring amicable relations between India and Bangladesh. That is why we decided to lift the ban on Bangladeshi tourists after a meeting of the association members and voting. The district administration has also been informed about our decision," said GSHA Joint Secretary Ujjwal Ghosh.

However, he added that the restriction could be enforced again if anti-India activities resume in Bangladesh.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I understand the initial ban was a protest, but a 13-month blanket ban on all Bangladeshi citizens seems a bit harsh. Not every tourist is involved in politics. Many come for medical treatment or to visit family. Glad it's lifted, but hope future actions are more nuanced.
R
Rohit P
Fully support the hoteliers! They showed spine. We are a welcoming nation, but we cannot ignore attacks on minorities in our neighbourhood or hostile statements about our territory. The caution note is important – hospitality should not come at the cost of national dignity. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels to Siliguri often, this is good news for the local economy. The hotel and tourism sector suffered a lot. Hopefully, the new government in Dhaka ensures stability. Cross-border travel and trade are vital for both countries.
V
Vikram M
The statement about "renewed hope for restoring amicable relations" is key. India and Bangladesh share deep cultural and historical ties. We must not let political turbulence permanently damage that. Let's welcome our neighbours back, but yes, remain vigilant.
K
Karthik V
A private association taking such a strong geopolitical stand is interesting. Shows how connected border communities are to these issues. Hope the administration is also keeping a close watch on security aspects, not just leaving it to hoteliers.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50