International Desk

Another hospital in India has announced it will no longer treat Bangladeshi patients, citing rising tensions over alleged anti-India sentiments and atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.

ILS Hospital, a private multi-specialty facility in Agartala, announced its decision on Saturday after protests by a local group demanding the suspension of services to Bangladesh citizens.

Gautam Hazarika, the hospital’s chief operating officer, told PTI, “We extend full support to the demand of suspending treatment for Bangladeshi nationals at our health facility. Our help desks at Akhaura check post and ILS Hospital have been closed down from today [Saturday] onwards.”

The decision came after protesters accused Bangladesh citizens of disrespecting the Indian flag and expressed anger over the alleged mistreatment of Hindus in the neighbouring country.

This announcement follows a similar decision by JN Ray Hospital in Kolkata’s Manicktala area, which on Friday stated it would indefinitely suspend treatment for Bangladeshi patients.

Subhranshu Bhakt, an official from the hospital, told PTI, “We cannot ignore the repeated insults towards India, including disrespect shown to the tricolour. This decision is a mark of protest against the mistreatment of minorities in Bangladesh.”

One protestor remarked, “Disrespect to the Indian national flag and attacks on minorities are unacceptable. Fundamentalist elements are even training students to insult our national symbols. We urge all institutions to cease providing services to Bangladeshi citizens.”

Bhakt also called on other healthcare institutions to follow suit, and expressed his disappointment over rising anti-India sentiments in Dhaka.

“India played a pivotal role in their independence, yet we see hostility. We hope other hospitals will stand with us in this decision,” he added.

Tensions have flared between India and Bangladesh after a former ISKCON leader was arrested in Chattogram on charges of sedition and reports of several Hindu temples being attacked.

Source: The Times of India