Why are Bangladeshi patients facing treatment Rejections in Kolkata? 3 Hindu temples attacked in Chattogram
Hospital in Kolkata Halts Treatment of Bangladeshi Patients Amid Rising Anti-Hindu Violence
Kolkata’s JN Ray Hospital announced on Friday that it will indefinitely stop treating patients from Bangladesh, citing the recent surge in anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh and alleged insults to the Indian national flag by Bangladeshi nationals. Located in the Manicktala area, the hospital released a statement attributing the decision to the “insults towards India.” Subhranshu Bhakt, a hospital official, explained the rationale, stating, “From today, we will not admit any Bangladeshi patient. This is a protest against the atrocities committed against minorities in Bangladesh and the disrespect shown to our tricolour.” Bhakt also encouraged other hospitals in Kolkata to adopt similar measures.
Why are Bangladeshi patients facing treatment Rejections in Kolkata?
Violence in Chattogram Targets Hindu Temples
The hospital’s decision comes in the wake of escalating tensions between India and Bangladesh, triggered by attacks on Hindu temples in Chattogram, Bangladesh. On Friday, mobs vandalized three temples—Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple—in Harish Chandra Munsef Lane. According to BDNews24.com, the attack occurred around 2:30 PM when a large group of people gathered, shouting slogans and hurling bricks at the temples.
Kotwali Police Station chief Abdul Karim confirmed the incident, noting that while physical damage to the temples was limited, tensions were extremely high. Tapan Das, a temple committee member, described the harrowing experience: “After Juma prayers, a crowd of hundreds marched in, shouting anti-Hindu and anti-ISKCON slogans. As the situation deteriorated, we called the Army, and order was finally restored.”
Spiritual Leader’s Arrest Sparks Protests
The violence coincided with the arrest of spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member, on sedition charges. His arrest on Monday, followed by a denial of bail on Tuesday, ignited widespread protests from the Hindu community in Dhaka, Chattogram, and other cities in Bangladesh.
India’s Diplomatic Response
The Indian government expressed grave concern over the escalating violence. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed Parliament, urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety of all its citizens, including minority communities. “The surge in extremist rhetoric and violence is unacceptable,” Jaishankar stated. “Bangladesh has a responsibility to protect its minorities.” Meanwhile, Bangladesh voiced its concerns over protests outside its deputy high commission in Kolkata and urged the Indian government to ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions.
This development highlights the growing strain between the two neighboring countries, fueled by religious tensions and diplomatic sensitivities.
