In a significant move, the All Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association (ATHROA) has announced a complete boycott of Bangladeshi nationals in the state. As per the decision, Bangladeshi visitors will neither be allowed to book rooms in hotels nor be served food in restaurants. This decision comes in the wake of increasing atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and the alleged insult to the Indian national flag by certain groups in the neighboring country.

Key Decisions by ATHROA

ATHROA General Secretary Saikat Bandyopadhyay stated that the association held an emergency meeting on Monday where the resolution was passed. He remarked, “India is a secular nation, and we respect all religions. However, the repeated incidents of minority oppression and disrespect towards our national flag in Bangladesh have crossed limits.” Bandyopadhyay added that this boycott is a protest against the disturbing developments in Bangladesh, where minorities, particularly Hindus, are facing increasing persecution.

Broader Impact and Reactions

The boycott movement, which initially began with a private hospital refusing treatment to Bangladeshi nationals, has now extended to the hospitality sector. ILS Hospital, a popular private healthcare facility in Tripura, had earlier announced that it would no longer treat Bangladeshi patients in response to the reported rise in atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. Similarly, J.N. Ray Hospital in Kolkata's Maniktala region followed suit, refusing treatment to Bangladeshi patients. Officials from the Kolkata hospital stated, “India has played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s independence, yet we continue to face hostility and anti-India sentiments from their side.”

Tensions Escalate Across Borders

The boycott comes amidst growing tensions between the two nations. Recently, protests erupted in Tripura after an alleged insult to the Indian flag in Bangladesh. In one incident, a group of protesters breached the premises of the Bangladeshi Assistant High Commission in Agartala, prompting the mission to suspend visa and consular services indefinitely. Mohammad Al-Amin, First Secretary of the Bangladeshi mission, cited security concerns as the reason for the suspension. In retaliation, Bangladesh summoned the Indian envoy in Dhaka to lodge a protest over the breach of its diplomatic mission. Tripura police have arrested seven individuals linked to the incident and initiated action against four police personnel for negligence in duty.

Protests Continue Across Northeastern India

The controversy has sparked widespread protests in northeastern India. Thousands marched in Agartala under the banner of "Sanatani Yuva" to demand the release of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested in Bangladesh under alleged sedition charges. Protesters also condemned the attacks on lawyers representing Das, who have reportedly faced violent threats from extremists.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed regret over the breach of the Bangladeshi High Commission in Agartala but emphasized the need for dialogue to address the escalating situation.

Concerns Over Justice and Human Rights

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has appealed to the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety of lawyers willing to represent Chinmoy Krishna Das. ISKCON’s Kolkata spokesperson, Radharamana Das, criticized the lack of fair legal representation, calling it a grave violation of justice.

Growing Boycott Movement

The boycott movement in Tripura and other parts of India reflects the growing discontent over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh and the perceived anti-India actions. The developments underscore rising tensions that could further strain diplomatic relations between the two countries. The situation continues to evolve, with protests, boycotts, and cross-border diplomatic exchanges shaping the narrative. Both nations face the challenge of managing public sentiments while maintaining bilateral ties.