Protests Erupt Over Ban at Bankra Mosque Near Kolkata Airport
Tensions rise as Siddiqullah Chowdhury calls for protests against restrictions imposed on the Bankra Mosque near Kolkata Airport. Worshippers don black armbands in solidarity, criticizing the government's decision to relocate the historic mosque for security reasons. Chowdhury expresses his sorrow over the mosque's treatment, labeling it a dark day for India. The situation has sparked widespread debate about the mosque's future and its implications for the local community. Read on to discover more about this unfolding story and the reactions from various stakeholders.
| Jul 17, 2026, 15:41 IST
Protests Following Restrictions at Bankra Mosque
After the imposition of restrictions on public access to the Bankra Mosque near Kolkata Airport for security reasons, Siddiqullah Chowdhury, the president of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, called for a peaceful protest. In response, numerous worshippers in West Bengal donned black armbands today. Following this call for protest, a significant security presence was deployed around the high-security zone of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. These measures have faced criticism from the public.
Chowdhury expressed his sorrow over the treatment of the mosque, labeling the situation a dark day for India. He stated, 'I am saddened because Bankra has been defamed.' Today, prayers were held in West Bengal, attended by one crore people across 55,000 mosques, with many wearing black armbands. He further lamented, 'I am saddened that Bankra has been defamed. I never claimed that millions would gather here.'
These remarks followed the decision by the BJP-led West Bengal government to relocate the over 130-year-old Bankra Mosque outside the airport premises for security reasons. In December 2025, Majumdar had raised concerns about the mosque's location within the operational area of the airport, stating it hindered runway expansion plans. He urged discussions with the Airport Authority of India to facilitate its relocation.
Majumdar emphasized that this has been a long-standing demand, stating that the runway's length could not be increased due to the mosque's presence. He noted that having a mosque near such a sensitive area as an airport, especially close to the runway, is concerning. He suggested that the mosque could be moved to another location, similar to practices in the UAE. He remarked that while a mosque serves as a place for prayer, a temple is dedicated to idol worship. If the mosque committee considers the country's interests, they should engage with the Airport Authority of India to explore the possibility of constructing a new mosque elsewhere.
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