Barak Valley Hotel and Restaurant Association Decides To Not Serve Bangladeshis

SILCHAR: A major decision to deny service to Bangladeshi residents throughout the region has been made public by the Barak Valley Hotel and Restaurant Association. The decision addresses the alleged persecution of minorities in Bangladesh and applies to hotels and eateries in the districts of Cachar, Sribhumi (previously Karimganj), and Hailakandi.

Representatives of the association condemned the persistent harassment of minority communities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus, by extremist elements during a press conference earlier yesterday. The government of Bangladesh was also criticised by the representatives for not doing enough to safeguard these communities.

"We have decided to speak out against the situation in Bangladesh. It is unacceptable and unthinkable how their government has been handling minority religions," said one representative. Another participant added: "Given Bangladesh's current state, it is entirely reasonable for us to decline to service them. They are not deserving of service."

There has been an increase in persecution of minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina left the country after the massive student protests. Even though the Mohammad Yunus-led interim government has promised to take steps to address these problems, there are still allegations of harassment and vandalism.

In a recent occurrence, the government attempted to outlaw ISKCON when former member Swami Chinmay Krishna Das was arrested on sedition-related charges. The action has been criticised as an act of intolerance against Hindus, even though the High Court rejected the appeal.

The Barak Valley Hotel and Restaurant Association feels that their choice is an essential way to express their disapproval. They want to raise awareness of the suffering of Bangladesh's minorities and call for more forceful action to stop these injustices.

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