Kolkata Hospital Halts Treatment for Bangladeshi Patients Amid Rising Communal Tensions

As tensions escalate due to attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh, Kolkata's JN Ray Hospital announces it will cease treatment for Bangladeshi patients indefinitely, citing anti-Hindu violence and national disrespect.

P24 News Media

November 30, 2024

1 minute

India

Kolkata Hospital Halts Treatment for Bangladeshi Patients Amid Rising Communal Tensions

In a significant development, Kolkata’s JN Ray Hospital declared that it will no longer treat patients from Bangladesh. This announcement comes amidst an alarming rise in communal tensions following a series of violent incidents targeting Hindu temples in Chattogram, Bangladesh. The hospital’s management articulated their stance as a direct response to what they termed as “insults towards India” and escalating anti-Hindu sentiments in the neighboring nation.

The hospital’s official, Subhranshu Bhakt, expressed deep disappointment over the situation, stating, “Effective immediately, we will cease to admit any Bangladeshi patients. This decision serves as a protest against the ongoing atrocities faced by minorities in Bangladesh and the recent disrespect shown towards our national flag.” He further urged other medical institutions in Kolkata to consider similar actions, highlighting the growing unrest and need for solidarity among Indian hospitals.

This drastic measure coincides with a series of violent attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh, notably in Chattogram's Harish Chandra Munsef Lane, where three temples - Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple - were vandalized. Eyewitness reports indicate that hundreds of individuals gathered post-Friday prayers and initiated a mob attack, hurling bricks and chanting anti-Hindu slogans. Fortunately, while the damage was reported to be relatively minor, the incident has further intensified the already heightened tensions between the two countries.

Tapan Das, a member of one of the affected temple committees, recounted the chaos, stating that the procession of protestors erupted soon after Juma prayers, leading to an urgent call for military assistance. The situation escalated rapidly, compelling the local authorities to restore order. This violence follows the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spiritual figure previously linked with ISKCON, who was charged with sedition, igniting uproar within the Hindu community across various cities in Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram.

In response to the escalating violence, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Parliament, emphasizing the Indian government’s serious concern regarding the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. He stated, “It is imperative that Dhaka takes necessary actions to ensure the safety and protection of all its citizens, particularly those belonging to minority communities.” Jaishankar condemned the rise of extremist rhetoric and called upon Bangladesh to uphold its responsibility in safeguarding minority rights.

Simultaneously, the Bangladeshi authorities have raised alarms over the protests occurring outside their deputy high commission in Kolkata, urging the Indian government to secure its diplomatic missions. As both nations grapple with rising tensions, the imperative for dialogue and resolution becomes increasingly urgent. The repercussions of these incidents could have long-lasting impacts on the bilateral relationships, necessitating caution and intervention from both sides to avoid further escalation.