Agartala (Tripura): Amid rising atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, the All
Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners’ Association (ATHROA) has decided to deny
hotel and restaurant services’ to Bangladeshi citizens.
In a statement, Bhaskar Chakraborty, Office Secretary, All Tripura Hotel and
Restaurant Owners’ Association says, “On 2nd December we took a decision in the
presence of all our members that starting 2nd December, no hotel will be
available for Bangladeshi citizens.”
The decision comes as a strong response to the growing unrest in neighbouring
Bangladesh.
The All Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners’ Association (ATHROA) announced a
ban on providing services to Bangladeshi citizens in the state. The decision,
which took effect immediately, follows allegations of escalating persecution of
Hindu and other minority communities in Bangladesh.
Bhaskar Chakrabarty, Secretary, All Tripura Hotel & Restaurant Owners’
Association told ANI, “The primary reason for this decision is the disrespect
shown towards our national flag in Bangladesh. Additionally, the incident
involving the Bangladesh High Commission has also played a significant role in
shaping this resolution.”
“Another reason is to ensure the safety and well-being of Bangladeshi nationals
visiting here. If any untoward incident occurs involving a Bangladeshi guest,
the entire responsibility would fall on the hotel owner. To avoid such
complications, we decided on the 2nd of this month that we will not provide
rooms to Bangladeshi citizens,” he said.
He clarified, “The (Bangladeshi) citizens who checked in here before 2nd
December can stay here but we won’t accept any new bookings. It was also decided
that if someone comes here under a critical condition with proper documents, for
medical purposes, they will be provided rooms.”
In an official statement, signed by ATHROA Secretary Bhashkar Chakraborty, the
association condemned recent incidents involving extremist actions against
minority groups in Bangladesh.
“We are a secular country that respects all religions, but the recent atrocities
against minorities in Bangladesh have deeply concerned us. The behaviour of
certain elements in Bangladesh is unacceptable, especially their disrespect
towards the Indian national flag,” the statement read.
The association emphasized that Tripura has historically welcomed people from
Bangladesh with warmth and hospitality. However, the recent developments have
led to a change in stance. The ban on services, which includes all hotel and
restaurant facilities, applies to Bangladeshi citizens visiting the state from
December 2, 2024.
ATHROA President Sumit Saha, speaking to the Tripura Times, expressed strong
disapproval of the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. “We have always
believed in treating all guests with respect. However, the current situation in
Bangladesh has made it impossible for us to continue offering services to those
who come from a nation where such atrocities are happening,” Saha said.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting the move as a
stand against violence and discrimination, while others question its impact on
tourism and business relations between the two countries. Nonetheless, the
association remains firm in its position, citing the need to stand in solidarity
with the oppressed minority communities in Bangladesh.
As of now, the ban is expected to remain in place until further notice, with
ATHROA pledging to monitor the situation closely.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh continues to see increased violence against Hindu
minorties. On the intermitter night of Friday and Saturday, the Laxshmi Narayan
Mandir was allegedly burnt. Temple authorities filed a complaint against the
same and alleged that the attackers had aimed to harm them. (ANI)
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