siliguri-hoteliers-lift-13-month-ban-on-bangladeshi-tourists

Hotel owners in Siliguri have lifted a 13-month-long “ban” on accommodating Bangladeshi nationals, citing improving conditions in Bangladesh and renewed hope for stronger bilateral ties.

 

Announcing the decision on Monday, the Greater Siliguri Hoteliers' Association said the situation in Bangladesh is gradually stabilising following the formation of a democratic government on February 17. Joint secretary Ujjwal Ghosh said the association had earlier imposed the ban after observing anti-India sentiment and unrest in Bangladesh.

 

“With the formation of a government on February 17, hope has resurfaced regarding India-Bangladesh relations. Therefore, we have decided to lift the ban. We will resume bookings and provide services to Bangladeshi tourists. The district administration has also been informed,” he said.

 

Ghosh added that the association has submitted a letter to the Darjeeling district magistrate informing authorities about the move. He also noted that positive signals are emerging from Bangladesh, influencing the decision.

 

However, the association warned that the ban could be reimposed if anti-India sentiment rises again.

 

 

“If we see hostility towards India in the future, we will reconsider and may revoke this decision,” Ghosh said.

 

The restrictions were first introduced on December 9, 2024, when hoteliers stopped offering rooms and services to Bangladeshi tourists. A month later, exemptions were granted to visitors travelling on medical and student visas. But as unrest escalated again, hotel owners completely barred Bangladeshi nationals in December 2025.

 

Association secretary Sandip Kumar Da said the latest decision was taken through a vote, with 75 per cent of members supporting the lifting of the ban.

 

“We have incurred losses of over Rs 2 crore in the past few months. But for us, the country comes first. That is why we accepted the financial loss,” he said.

 

Approximately 35,000 to 40,000 Bangladeshi tourists travel to India every month, primarily for medical treatment and higher education. Siliguri has around 270 hotels, of which more than 180 are affiliated with the hoteliers’ association. With the ban now lifted, hotel owners are hopeful that tourism from Bangladesh will gradually resume, helping the local hospitality sector recover from recent losses.