Hotel associations in West Bengal’s Darjeeling and Malda districts have taken a sensational decision to deny accommodation to tourists from Bangladesh. The move comes in protest against the brutal killing of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh and what the associations describe as repeated attacks on minorities there.
Protest Over Killing in Bangladesh
The decision follows the shocking murder of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment factory worker in Bangladesh. According to reports, miscreants dragged the 25-year-old out of his workplace, assaulted him with sticks, tied him to a tree, and set him on fire over alleged blasphemy charges. The incident triggered widespread outrage in West Bengal, especially in border districts.
Hotel owners said they could not remain silent in the face of such violence. They stated that the denial of accommodation was a symbolic protest against attacks on minorities under the current administration in Bangladesh.
Unanimous Decision by Hotel Associations
Hotel owners’ associations in Darjeeling and Malda, both of which share close economic and travel links with Bangladesh, passed the decision unanimously. Malda Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association secretary Krishnendu Chowdhury said all member hotels had agreed not to allot rooms to Bangladeshi tourists. He added that there are currently no Bangladeshi tourists staying in hotels across the district.
However, Chowdhury clarified that the association would soon meet again to decide whether the ban should apply to visitors arriving on medical visas.
Siliguri Takes a Tougher Stand
Meanwhile, the Siliguri Hotelier’s Welfare Association in Darjeeling district adopted a stricter approach. Association secretary Ujjal Ghosh said the restriction would also apply to Bangladeshi nationals visiting India on medical and student visas.
He cited objectionable remarks by Bangladeshi leaders on the Siliguri Corridor and rising attacks on Hindu minorities as reasons for the hardline stance. Local chambers of commerce have openly supported the hotel associations’ decision.
Strong Message of Protest
The move has sparked intense debate, as West Bengal traditionally sees a steady flow of Bangladeshi tourists for leisure, healthcare, and education. Hotel bodies, however, insist that their decision sends a strong message against violence and intolerance.
As reactions continue to pour in, all eyes are now on whether the decision will expand to other districts or prompt diplomatic and administrative responses in the coming days.
