- विज्ञापन -
Kolkata: In West Bengal’s Alipurduar district, hotels, lodges, and resorts have closed their doors to Bangladeshi tourists as of December 14. This decision was made by the Alipurduar Hotel Owners’ Welfare Association following a meeting on Friday.
Association secretary Pawan Kumar Purohit stated, “The Indian Tricolour was insulted in Bangladesh, which is unacceptable to our hotel owners.” He emphasized that the decision is rooted in a commitment to national honor, stating, “For the time being, we will not allow any Bangladeshi citizens to check in, as we want to send a strong message.”
Typically, around 2,000 Bangladeshi visitors come to Alipurduar, many of whom arrive on tourist visas, while a significant number seek medical treatment with medical visas. The winter season usually sees the highest influx of these tourists.
Another association member acknowledged the potential financial impact on hotel owners but reiterated that the decision was made in the interest of national pride. This marks the fourth district-level hoteliers’ association to refuse Bangladeshi visitors; the Greater Siliguri Hotelier Welfare Association announced a similar policy for Darjeeling district on December 9. This stance has also garnered support from the Eastern Himalayan Travel & Tour Operators Association, with the Malda district hoteliers’ body being the first to implement such a decision earlier this month.
