Archive · 26 Dec 2025
Siliguri Hotels Ban Bangladeshi Nationals Amid Tensions
Hotels in Siliguri, India, have decided not to let people from Bangladesh stay with them, even if they have special visas for medical or educational reasons.
This is because there has been a lot of fighting and bad things said about India in Bangladesh.
The hotels say they are doing this to support their country.
Some people in Siliguri also want to stop all business activities with Bangladesh.
The hotels and other businesses are showing their support by putting up signs that say 'Boycott Bangladesh'.
This decision was made after a man from India was hurt in Bangladesh, which made many people in India very angry.
Siliguri hotels have banned Bangladeshi nationals, including those with medical visas, due to political turmoil and anti-Indian rhetoric.
The ban was initially imposed in December 2023, with exceptions for students and patients, but these exceptions have now been revoked.
All 180 member hotels of the Greater Siliguri Hoteliers Welfare Association are adhering to the ban, with around 50 non-member hotels also following the ban voluntarily.
Malda hoteliers are considering a similar ban, which could affect 250 member hotels.
The decision follows protests in India over the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu worker in Bangladesh, and calls for a stronger response from Indian communities.
- Who
- Greater Siliguri Hoteliers Welfare Association (GSHWA) and local hotel operators
- What
- Ban on accommodating Bangladeshi nationals in hotels, including those with medical visas
- When
- Decision extended in 2024, initial ban in December 2023
- Where
- Siliguri, India, with potential extension to Malda
- Why
- Due to political turmoil, anti-Indian rhetoric, and recent violent incidents in Bangladesh
Pro-Ban Stance
Anti-Ban Stance
National Interest vs. Business Interests
Pro-Ban Stance
Hotels prioritize national security and protest against anti-Indian rhetoric from Bangladesh.
Anti-Ban Stance
Some may argue that banning tourists could harm business relations and economic ties between the two countries.
- Association
- Greater Siliguri Hoteliers Welfare Association (GSHWA)
- Member Hotels
- 180
- Additional Hotels Following Ban
- 50
- Reason for Ban
- Ongoing political turmoil and anti-Indian rhetoric in Bangladesh
- Exceptions Initially
- Students and patients on visas
- Malda Hotel Owners Association (MHOA)
- Considering similar ban
- MHOA Member Hotels
- 250
Sources
Ongoing Bangladesh turmoil leads Siliguri hotels to ban country's nationals - Telegraph India
Siliguri hotels closed for Bangladeshi tourists, including those on medical visa: ‘End all services...’
'Our country comes first': Siliguri hotels ban Bangladeshi tourists, including those on medical visa, amid rising tensions
Dipu Chandra Das lynching: Why Bengal LoP is visiting Bangladesh Deputy High Commission today
'Our country comes first': Siliguri hotels ban Bangladeshi tourists, including those on medical visa, amid rising tensions
Siliguri hoteliers ban Bangladeshi tourists
