Kolkata Hospital Halts Treatment for Bangladeshi Patients Amid Rising Tensions

Kolkata's JN Ray Hospital has announced an indefinite suspension of treatment for Bangladeshi patients, coinciding with a series of violent attacks on Hindu temples in Chattogram, Bangladesh. The hospital's decision, declared on Friday, is a reaction to reported anti-Hindu violence and perceived insults to the Indian flag by some Bangladeshi nationals.

Subhranshu Bhakt, a hospital official, stated, “From today, we will not admit any Bangladeshi patient. This is a protest against the atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh and the disrespect shown to our tricolour.” He called on other Kolkata hospitals to take similar actions.

The discontent parallels escalating incidents in Chattogram, where a mob vandalized three Hindu temples—Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple. The attacks, reported to have occurred around 2:30 PM, involved a group shouting slogans and throwing bricks. Kotwali Police confirmed the vandalism, noting that while the damage was limited, tensions were heightened.

Tapan Das, a member of a temple committee, described the situation, mentioning that anti-Hindu slogans were shouted during the mob’s march post-Juma prayers. The violence follows the arrest of spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member, on sedition charges, igniting protests among the Hindu community in various Bangladeshi cities.