Siliguri Hoteliers Temporarily Halt Accommodation for Bangladeshi Nationals

An association of hotel owners in West Bengal has decided to temporarily stop providing accommodation to Bangladeshi nationals in and around Siliguri, citing security concerns amid political developments in the neighbouring country.

The decision was taken by the Greater Siliguri Hoteliers Welfare Association , which represents hotels operating in Siliguri and surrounding areas of north Bengal. According to a notice issued by the association, the move follows recent incidents that have strained India–Bangladesh relations, including reports of alleged disrespect towards the Indian national flag and provocative statements by a section of Bangladeshi citizens.

A functionary of the association said member hotels have been asked not to permit check-ins by Bangladeshi nationals until further notice. The measure, the association said, is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of hotel guests and staff in what it described as a sensitive and uncertain situation.

Siliguri , located close to the India–Bangladesh border and the strategically important Siliguri Corridor connecting mainland India with the northeastern states, has traditionally served as a major entry point for Bangladeshi visitors travelling on tourist, medical and student visas.

Sources said the association has around 180 member hotels, all of which are adhering to the decision. In addition, nearly 50 non-member hotels in the area have also voluntarily begun following the restriction. These figures are based on information provided by sources and have not been independently verified.

The association clarified that the decision is temporary and will be reviewed periodically, with the possibility of restoring accommodation facilities once conditions are considered safe and conducive.

Meanwhile, hoteliers in Malda district , another border region of West Bengal, are considering a similar step. The Malda Hotel Owners Association , which has around 250 member hotels , is expected to hold a meeting to discuss whether to impose restrictions on accommodating Bangladeshi nationals. No decision has been taken so far.

The move by hotel associations is not a government directive. The Government of India has stated in Parliament that it does not maintain official data on the number of Bangladeshi migrants , either legal or illegal, at the national or state level.