Controversy Erupts Over Mosque Relocation at Kolkata Airport Amid Protests in Bangladesh
The ongoing debate over relocating a mosque at Kolkata's airport has escalated following protests in Bangladesh, where demonstrators called for the death penalty for BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar. Sikdar, advocating for the mosque's removal due to security concerns, claims the protests reflect desperation from those opposing the move. He has urged the Bangladeshi government to prevent such demonstrations, emphasizing the issue's significance to India. As tensions rise, the situation continues to unfold, drawing attention to the complexities of religious and security matters in the region.
| Jul 17, 2026, 18:43 IST
Protests Demand Death Penalty for BJP MLA Amid Mosque Relocation Debate
A mosque located within the premises of Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has become the center of a heated debate regarding its potential relocation. This controversy intensified following a protest in Bangladesh, where demonstrators called for the death penalty for BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar. On Friday, a group gathered outside the National Mosque of Bangladesh, Baitul Mukarram, holding banners that labeled Sikdar as the villain behind the mosque's removal from the airport area. Reports indicate that protesters demanded the execution of the MLA, whose Dum Dum North constituency includes the airport. Sikdar has been a strong advocate for relocating the mosque, citing security concerns and operational issues. He previously raised this matter with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, highlighting alleged security flaws and the need for airport expansion.
In response to the protests, Sikdar stated that he received videos from journalist friends showing the demonstrations, claiming that the intent was to intimidate him. He remarked that if such actions were not possible in India, individuals would attempt them in Bangladesh. He appealed to the Bangladeshi government to prevent such activities, emphasizing that this is a matter concerning the Indian government. The BJP MLA reiterated that the mosque is situated on land owned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and that the central government has already made a decision regarding this issue. He also pointed out that a local prohibition order under Section 163 of the Indian Citizen Security Code (BNSS) has been implemented, restricting gatherings on this matter. Sikdar accused the protests in Bangladesh of reflecting the 'desperation' of those opposing the mosque's relocation and called for an investigation into the forces behind the demonstrations.
Defending his position, the MLA asserted that relocating the mosque is essential for both airport expansion and passenger safety. He claimed that the structure is located within a high-security 'Level-3 Zone,' which is used for flights carrying the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and other VIPs.