“Country is above all…”: Kolkata Hospital Suspends Treatment for Bangladeshi Patients in Protest Against Alleged Insult to the Indian Flag

Kolkata's JN Ray Hospital announced on Friday that it will indefinitely suspend the admission and treatment of Bangladeshi patients. The move comes in response to recent incidents in Bangladesh, including alleged desecration of the Indian national flag and reports of mistreatment of minority communities.

"Currently, we are suspending the treatment of Bangladeshi patients. Surviving on Indian treatment while disrespecting the Indian flag is unacceptable,” posted the hospital on their Facebook page.

Hospital official Subhranshu Bhakt explained the rationale behind the move, stating, "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 urged the other healthcare facilities in Kolkata to follow suit. "We hope other hospitals in Kolkata will follow suit. Seeing the tricolour being insulted, we have decided to stop treating Bangladeshis. India has played an important role in their independence, but despite that, we are witnessing anti-India sentiments. We hope others will support us… Country is above all. Nothing can happen above the country. Medical service is a noble profession, but the dignity of the country is paramount,” he added.

The hospital’s decision follows a similar move by renowned gynaecologist Dr. Indranil Saha, who also announced on social media that he would no longer treat Bangladeshi patients. On Thursday night, Saha shared an image that allegedly depicted the desecration of the Indian flag at Bangladesh's BUET University. "The Indian national flag is lying at the entrance of BUET University! I am stopping seeing Bangladeshi patients in the chamber for now. Country first, income later. I hope other doctors will do the same until the relationship is normal,” Saha posted.

West Bengal's Leader of the Opposition and BJP leader, Suvendu Adhikari publicly praised Dr. Saha for his stance and said, "I bow down to Dr Indranil Saha. He said, my country first, income after... I request the entire Indian medical community, businessmen, and India lovers to boycott Bangladesh completely."

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government condemned a protest rally in Kolkata that reportedly involved the desecration of the Bangladesh flag. The protest, organized by the Bangiya Hindu Jagran Mach, turned violent, resulting in injuries to a Kolkata Police officer. Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling on the Indian government to ensure such incidents do not recur.

The Bangladesh government also expressed concern over the safety of its diplomats in India. "Although the situation seems to be under control at the moment, there is a prevailing sense of insecurity among the members of the Deputy High Commission," the statement said, referring to the recent protest in Kolkata. As a result, additional security personnel were deployed to protect the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in the city.

This comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Bangladesh. India has raised concerns over the treatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, and the ongoing political unrest in the country. India also recently called for a "fair and transparent trial" for Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on charges of treason in Bangladesh earlier this week.​