In an unprecedented move, hotels and restaurants in Tripura have announced that they will not accommodate or serve tourists from Bangladesh. This decision was made public in a statement by the All Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners' Association, which represents a significant portion of the state's hospitality sector.
The announcement coincided with large-scale protests in Agartala, Tripura’s capital, against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh and reported attacks on minorities in the neighboring country. Hundreds of protesters rallied near the Bangladeshi Assistant High Commission in Agartala, and more than 50 reportedly entered the premises, causing alarm among officials and staff.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the breach, labeling it "deeply regrettable." The MEA emphasized that diplomatic and consular properties must remain safeguarded at all times and stated that security at Bangladesh’s missions in India would be reinforced.
The hospitality association's statement reflects the mounting tension between the two nations over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. However, it remains unclear how long this restriction on Bangladeshi tourists will remain in place.