Hotels in and around Siliguri ban Bangladeshi nationals, citing the ongoing political unrest and growing anti-Indian rhetoric by a section of political leaders, reports The Telegraph.
Ujjwal Ghosh, joint secretary of the Greater Siliguri Hoteliers Welfare Association (GSHWA), said the move builds on a restriction first introduced in December last year.
“Our members had earlier decided not to offer accommodation to Bangladeshi citizens. At that time, exceptions were made on humanitarian grounds for students and patients travelling on valid student and medical visas,” Ghosh said.
“However, in view of the continuing violence in Bangladesh and the increasing anti-India narrative, we have now decided to withdraw all such exceptions,” he added.
According to Ghosh, the association has 180 member hotels operating in Siliguri and its surrounding areas, all of which are complying with the decision. In addition, around 50 hotels outside the association have also voluntarily chosen to follow the same policy, sources said.
Siliguri has long served as a key gateway for Bangladeshi travellers entering India, particularly those arriving on tourist visas. The region is also popular among Bangladeshi visitors seeking medical treatment and pursuing education.
Ghosh said the association would not reconsider its stance even if Bangladeshi nationals are issued visas in the future. “They come here, use various services, but then speak against India. This situation is unacceptable,” he said, referring to the recent closure of Indian visa centres in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, hoteliers in Malda district are also considering a similar move. Krishnendu Choudhury, president of the Malda Hotel Owners Association (MHOA), said a meeting would soon be held to discuss the proposal.
“Our members will sit together and take a final decision on whether Bangladeshi nationals should be barred from hotels in Malda,” he said.
The MHOA has around 250 member hotels across the district, according to association sources.
