How India is protesting against Hindu attacks in Bangladesh

 No Tourists, No Hospital Services: India’s Protests Against Hindu Attacks in Bangladesh

India-Bangladesh relations are witnessing a sharp decline as reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh continue to surface. In response, several sectors in India have taken measures to express their dissatisfaction, including a boycott of Bangladeshi tourists and patients. Additionally, flights and trade between the two countries have been significantly disrupted.

Deteriorating Diplomatic Ties

India and Bangladesh, once considered friendly neighbors, now face strained relations. The situation escalated following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina as Bangladesh’s leader through a popular student uprising. Her departure, followed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’ interim government’s alleged inaction to protect minorities, has added to the tension. New Delhi has voiced concerns over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly after the arrest of former ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.

Trade Relations Take a Hit

Trade, a cornerstone of India-Bangladesh relations, is also under strain. Bangladesh, India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, faces mounting trade suspensions:

• Sutarkandi Land Port Shutdown: The Exporters & Importers Association in Assam’s Sribhumi district announced the suspension of trade through the Sutarkandi land port, halting exports of essential goods like stone, rice, coal, and fresh fruits.
• Export Embargo: West Bengal’s BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari called for an indefinite export embargo, warning of stricter restrictions unless Bangladesh’s interim government addresses attacks on Hindus.
• Protests and Burnings: Congress MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha led a protest burning Bangladeshi goods and personally blocked trade routes.

These actions have disrupted cross-border trade, significantly impacting the economic exchange between the two nations.

Decline in Flights and Cross-Border Transport

The unrest has also impacted transportation links:

• Reduced Flights: The number of flights between Bangladesh and India has sharply declined. In July, 205 flights carried over 42,000 passengers between Kolkata and Bangladesh. By November, this number had halved to just 96 flights, with fewer than 23,000 passengers.
• Truck Traffic Slumps: Cross-border truck movement has also diminished. For instance, daily truck entries through the Ghojadanga land port in Basirhat have halved from 400 to about 200.

Bangladeshi Tourists Face Boycotts

Indian tourism operators have taken a firm stance against Bangladeshi tourists:

• Hotel Ban: The All-Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners’ Association announced that Bangladeshi tourists will not be provided accommodations or meals.
• Mission Breach Incident: Over 50 protesters entered the Bangladeshi mission premises in Agartala, escalating tensions and prompting police action, including suspensions and detentions.
• Decline in Tourist Numbers: Political unrest has led to a sharp drop in Bangladeshi tourists visiting India, decreasing from 2.12 million in 2023 to 1.29 million as of August 2024.

Medical Services Boycott

Indian hospitals have also joined the protests:

• North Kolkata Hospital Ban: The Jitendra Narayan Ray Hospital in Manicktala declared it would no longer treat Bangladeshi nationals.
• Tripura Hospital Stance: ILS Hospitals in Agartala echoed similar sentiments, citing the mistreatment of Hindus in Bangladesh.

This decision could significantly impact medical tourism between the two nations. In 2023, over 300,000 Bangladeshi medical tourists sought treatment in India, a figure that has already seen a decline amidst the ongoing tensions.

Statements from Bangladesh’s Leadership

Bangladesh’s interim government has acknowledged the changing dynamics of its relationship with India. Nobel laureate and interim leader Muhammad Yunus stated in a New York Times interview that India’s portrayal of Bangladesh as becoming “like Afghanistan” has further strained ties. He warned that destabilizing Bangladesh would have ripple effects across the region.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain also recognized the shift, calling for a pragmatic approach to rebuilding ties in the new geopolitical reality.

Navigating the Future

The escalating tensions between India and Bangladesh have far-reaching implications for the region’s political and economic stability. It is imperative for both nations to address their differences and restore their historically strong ties to ensure peace and mutual prosperity.