Siliguri Hotels Enforce Ban on Bangladeshi Tourists Amid Political Unrest

In response to escalating political unrest in Bangladesh, hotel owners in Siliguri have imposed a ban on accommodating Bangladeshi nationals. This decision, driven by safety concerns and inflammatory remarks from certain individuals, extends a previous restriction. The situation has intensified following the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, leading to widespread protests and violence. The ban will be reviewed periodically, with hopes of reinstating accommodations when conditions improve. This development adds strain to the already tense relations between India and Bangladesh, particularly after recent violent incidents and demands for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 26, 2025, 18:38 IST

Siliguri Hoteliers Take Action

A collective of hotel proprietors in Siliguri, West Bengal, has opted to cease accommodations for Bangladeshi nationals due to ongoing turmoil in their home country, as reported on Friday.

The Greater Siliguri Hoteliers Welfare Association issued a statement indicating that this decision stems from inflammatory remarks allegedly made by certain Bangladeshi individuals and perceived disrespect towards the Indian flag.

The association emphasized that this measure is intended to safeguard both guests and hotel staff, according to reports from a news agency.

Ujjwal Ghosh, the joint secretary of the association, noted that this ban extends a previous restriction initiated in December 2024, as highlighted by a local media outlet.

“In December 2024, our members had halted accommodations for Bangladeshi citizens,” Ghosh explained. “However, we made exceptions for students and patients traveling to India on educational and medical visas, respectively.”

Ghosh further stated that the association has now decided to prohibit all Bangladeshi guests due to the escalating violence in their country and the spreading of anti-India sentiments. The association comprises 180 hotels in and around Siliguri, all adhering strictly to this ban.

The association mentioned that the ban will be periodically reassessed, with the potential for reinstating accommodations once conditions are considered safe and respectful.

Siliguri serves as a significant entry point for Bangladeshi travelers visiting India for tourism, medical, and educational purposes, given its proximity to the Bangladesh border.

Since December 18, Bangladesh has experienced significant unrest following the death of activist Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the 2024 student protests that led to the removal of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government.

Hadi was fatally shot on December 12 in Dhaka and succumbed to his injuries on December 18 at a mosque in Singapore.

His passing incited widespread protests, vandalism, and violent incidents throughout Bangladesh, including attacks on the residence of the Assistant Indian High Commissioner in Chittagong.

Additionally, the lynching of a Hindu man named Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh, following accusations of blasphemy, has sparked protests within India.

These events have further strained the already tense relations between India and Bangladesh, particularly since Muhammad Yunus assumed the role of interim leader on August 8, 2024, just three days after Hasina was ousted.

Bangladesh has been pressing India to extradite Hasina after a tribunal in their country sentenced her to death for alleged crimes against humanity, holding her accountable for ordering a violent crackdown on protests against her administration.