NN Online:
Bangladeshi travelers visiting Agartala, India, have reported increasing harassment, coinciding with escalating tensions between the two nations. The incidents have reportedly intensified following demonstrations linked to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters’ long march.
Since Monday (December 2), several Bangladeshi tourists have faced difficulties finding accommodations in Agartala. Many were forced to abandon their plans and return home prematurely. Witnesses report that a bamboo barricade was erected across the road near the Agartala Integrated Checkpost, causing significant inconvenience for travelers attempting to cross the border.
Farid Mia, a resident of Laksam in Comilla, shared his ordeal. After traveling to Agartala through the Akhaura land port, he was ejected from a hotel within an hour of checking in, allegedly for being Bangladeshi and Muslim. The hotel refused to refund his payment, leaving him stranded. He spent the night at a relative’s home 80 kilometers away before returning to Bangladesh amidst anti-Bangladeshi protests and threats from local agitators.
Mujibur Rahman, a resident of Rupganj in Narayanganj, faced vandalism and looting at his stall during an international trade fair in Silchar, where he was showcasing traditional Jamdani sarees. A group of young men reportedly chanted “Jai Shri Ram” before destroying his shop and taking his belongings.
These incidents highlight growing safety concerns for Bangladeshi citizens in Indian territories and have raised questions about the need for stronger diplomatic interventions to ensure their security.
