Kolkata Hospital Shuts Doors to Bangladeshi Patients Amid Protests Over Minority Atrocities

Kolkata(The Uttam Hindu):A hospital in North Kolkata, J N Ray Hospital, has announced that it will no longer treat any Bangladeshi patients in protest against alleged violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The hospital's decision was prompted by reported insults to the Indian flag by Bangladeshi nationals. The announcement comes a day after India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged the Bangladesh government to protect Hindus in the country following multiple reports of attacks on minority communities.

The hospital’s official, Subhranshu Bhakt, explained that the decision is a response to what they view as disrespect toward India, particularly the alleged insults to the Indian tricolor. “We have issued a notification that, effective immediately and for an indefinite period, we will not admit Bangladeshi patients for treatment. This decision stems from the disrespect shown towards our country,” Bhakt stated. He also called on other hospitals in Kolkata to follow suit as a demonstration of solidarity against the reported atrocities. "India has played a vital role in their independence, yet we are witnessing anti-India sentiments. We hope other hospitals will join us in this protest," he added.

Meanwhile, the situation in Bangladesh remains tense, with reports of violence against the Hindu minority. The Bangladesh police recently denied bail to Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who had been arrested under sedition charges after criticizing the treatment of Hindus in the country. The monk had led protests against the attacks on Hindus and had become an outspoken advocate for their rights. He was arrested at Dhaka airport on November 25.

In response to his arrest, India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the actions of the Bangladeshi authorities and called for the protection of Hindu and other minority communities in the country. The MEA also emphasized the need to safeguard the fundamental rights of minorities, including their right to peaceful assembly and expression.