On 2 December 2024, Tripura’s ILS Hospital in Agartala suspended its services for Bangladeshi patients in protest against the ongoing violence and persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. This move comes as part of a growing national sentiment to boycott Bangladesh in solidarity with the suffering Hindu community there. On the same day, four major export associations in Assam took a strong stand by indefinitely suspending trade between India and Bangladesh through the Sutarkandi Landport. This action was a direct response to the increasing atrocities faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, marking a significant shift in public and institutional sentiment supporting the plight of Bangladeshi Hindus. Let us take a look at 7 incidents in support of Bangladeshi Hindus – Boycotting Bangladesh has become a national sentiment in India.
1. Export Associations Announce Boycott
On 4 December 2024, the Import and Export Association of Assam’s Sribhumi district has indefinitely suspended trade with Bangladesh following protests led by MLA Kamalaksha. The suspension affects four key agencies in the region, halting both exports to and imports from Bangladesh. This move is in response to allegations of inhuman treatment of minority communities and arrests of Hindu monks in Bangladesh, along with rising anti-India sentiment. MLA Kamalaksha has called for India to reassess its trade relations with Bangladesh amidst the unrest. The suspension is expected to impact the regional economy, with local businesses expressing both concern and support for the decision.
https://twitter.com/RShivshankar/status/1863467840931598361
2. Tripura Hotels Boycott Bangladeshi Guests
In protest against the alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, hotels and restaurants in Tripura have barred entry to Bangladeshi nationals. The All Tripura Hotels and Restaurants Owners’ Association made this decision temporarily after a meeting on 2 December 2024. The association emphasized that India is a secular nation that respects all religions, but recent events in Bangladesh, including the dishonoring of the Indian national flag and the mistreatment of minorities, have raised concerns. While the association has traditionally welcomed Bangladeshi visitors, it condemned the actions of some Bangladeshi nationals towards minorities, calling them “despicable.”
3. Hospitals Boycott Bangladeshi Patients
ILS Hospital, a multi-speciality private facility in Agartala, announced it would no longer treat Bangladeshi patients in response to protests against the alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. The hospital’s Chief Operating Officer expressed support for the protesters’ sentiments, stating that the decision was made in light of recent incidents in Bangladesh.
https://twitter.com/TimesAlgebraIND/status/1863299735567867961
This move follows a similar announcement by a hospital in Kolkata, JN Roy Hospital, which also decided to suspend medical treatment for Bangladeshi patients. The decisions come amid growing tensions over the situation in Bangladesh and its impact on relations with neighboring India.
4. Doctor Asks Bangladeshi Patients To Respect Indian Flag Before Treatment
In Siliguri, a doctor’s private practice has displayed the Indian flag with a message requiring patients, especially those from Bangladesh, to offer “pranam” to the flag before entering. This follows protests in West Bengal over the alleged desecration of the Indian flag in Bangladesh and the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Dhaka. Dr. Sekhar Bandopadhyay, who works at North Bengal Medical College Hospital, stated that while he can’t refuse treatment at the government hospital, he will not treat those who don’t respect the flag in his private chambers. Other doctors, including Chandranath Adhikary, have similarly refused to treat Bangladeshi patients.
5. Trade With Bangladesh Suspended At Kailashahar Border, Tripura Amid Protests
Trade through the Kailashahar border in Tripura has been suspended indefinitely due to protests by Sanatani Hindus against atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh. Demonstrators, led by local leaders, gathered at the Manu Land Customs Station to protest the arrest of ISKCON preacher Chinmoy Das and the persecution of Hindus. They called for the release of Das and the cessation of attacks on minorities. Protesters also urged Prime Minister Modi to halt trade with Bangladesh until minority rights are protected.
6. No Bangladesh Players Bought In IPL 2025 Auction
No Bangladeshi players were bought in the IPL 2025 mega auction, marking a significant shift after Mustafizur Rahman’s participation with Chennai Super Kings in 2024. The main reasons include the declining performance of Bangladeshi players in T20 cricket and their limited experience in franchise leagues. Despite 12 Bangladeshi players entering the auction, none were picked. Another factor is the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s reluctance to grant NOCs, leading players to leave IPL midway to join national duties.
https://twitter.com/MeghUpdates/status/1861414004867952778
7. Potato Export Ban
Potato imports through the Hili land port in Bangladesh have halted due to the West Bengal government’s suspension of online slot bookings for potato exports. While other imports, like onions, continue, the ban on potato exports has disrupted local supply. Indian potatoes are in high demand in Bangladesh, but the lack of slot bookings has caused delays, with only six trucks crossing the border on 1 December 2024. Importers and traders are concerned about financial losses and potential price hikes, with local potato prices already rising.
Bangladesh Issue: Potato export to bangladesh through the Hili land port remained suspended since Monday as the West Bengal government of India stopped slot booking for the exports of onion and potato on Sunday afternoon.
Bangladesh Issue : এবার অনির্দিষ্টকালের জন্য আলু রপ্তানি… pic.twitter.com/2p099TPtPg
— Cyber Herald (@cyberheraldnews) December 2, 2024
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