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The Greater Siliguri Hoteliers Welfare Association (GSHWA) officially revoked its year-long ban on Bangladeshi tourists this Monday, February 23, 2026. This sudden policy reversal follows the historic swearing-in of the democratically elected government in Bangladesh on February 17, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. While the association frames the move as a response to "positive diplomatic shifts," the decision highlights the severe strain placed on ordinary travelers who were caught in a crossfire of regional politics and economic boycotts.
The Human Cost of the Discriminatory Boycott
For over 13 months, thousands of Bangladeshi citizens—many traveling for critical medical treatments or to visit family—found themselves unwelcome in Siliguri, a vital transit hub. Despite the association’s official stance, investigations reveal a complex reality: while approximately 250 hotels publicly adhered to the ban, several establishments reportedly operated under their own rules to maintain revenue. This selective enforcement meant that while some tourists were turned away at midnight, others were accommodated discreetly, proving that the ban was as much about political optics as it was about security. The abrupt suspension of services, including for those on medical visas, is now being criticized as an inappropriate gesture between two nations sharing deep-rooted cultural and economic ties.
Diplomatic Thaw and the Path to Normalcy
The lifting of the ban is inextricably linked to the presence of Indian officials, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, at the recent inauguration ceremony in Dhaka. This high-level engagement signaled a reset in bilateral ties, prompting Siliguri’s hospitality sector to align with the new national narrative. However, the GSHWA has issued a sharp warning that the ban could be reinstated if "disrespect" toward national symbols recur. This conditional hospitality serves as a reminder of the fragility of the current peace. As visa services resume and the Siliguri corridor reopens its doors, the focus now shifts to whether the hospitality industry can rebuild the trust of Bangladeshi visitors who felt abandoned by their closest neighbors during a time of transition.
