All Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners’ Association (ATHORA) has taken a decision to not offer hotel and restaurant services to Bangladeshi citizens. ATHORA issued a statement earlier this week announcing its decision. The ban went into effect on December 2.
The step taken by the association has followed reports of attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh. The south Asian nation, a neighbor of India, is in turmoil since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned from the post and fled to India.
Although an interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is in power, it has not been able to stem attacks on religious minorities.
“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,” said Bhaskar Chakrabarty, secretary of ATHORA, as quoted by ANI.
“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,”
The association however has indicated that they will serve people who are in critical medical condition and have proper documents.
“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.” said Chakrabarty.
ATHORA has condemned violence in Bangladesh in its official statement.
“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,” said the statement as quoted by ANI.
“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,” said ATHROA President Sumit Saha, who was quoted by Tripura Times.
