Bangladesh Protest Over Kolkata Airport Mosque Row Targets BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar

The controversy over the proposed relocation of the historic Bankra Mosque, also known as Gouripur Jama Masjid, from within the premises of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has taken a cross-border turn, with protests reported in Bangladesh. Demonstrators at a rally organised by local residents and Muslim organisations reportedly opposed the planned relocation and raised slogans targeting BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar, who has supported the move citing airport security and operational concerns.

The protest in Bangladesh followed reports that Friday prayers at the mosque inside the Kolkata airport complex had been temporarily restricted. Protesters carried banners opposing what they described as an attempt to remove the historic religious structure and demanded that worship activities continue without interruption. Videos circulating on social media allegedly showed some participants raising slogans calling for punishment against Sikdar, though the authenticity and context of the footage could not be independently verified.

Sourav Sikdar, the BJP legislator from the Dum Dum North Assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas, has emerged as one of the prominent political voices backing the mosque’s relocation. The constituency covers the airport area where the mosque is located. Sikdar has argued that the structure’s location creates challenges for airport expansion, flight operations and security arrangements, stating that the issue involves the strategic importance of one of eastern India’s largest aviation hubs.

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The dispute intensified after airport authorities temporarily suspended namaz at the mosque for three days, citing renovation work. The West Bengal government has also supported relocating the more than 130-year-old structure, stating that the move is necessary due to airport development and security requirements. Aviation authorities have reportedly raised concerns that the mosque’s location, around 165 metres from the airport’s secondary runway, affects operational flexibility and future infrastructure upgrades, including advanced landing systems.

Sikdar has maintained that the relocation proposal is not aimed at restricting religious practices but is connected to airport safety and national security. He has highlighted concerns over access controls around the mosque area, arguing that airports require strict verification procedures for all individuals entering sensitive zones. West Bengal government leaders have similarly stated that religious sentiments will be respected but security considerations at strategic installations cannot be compromised.

The protests in Bangladesh have added a new political dimension to the issue, which originally centred on local administrative and aviation concerns in Kolkata. As discussions continue between authorities and community representatives, the controversy reflects the broader challenge of balancing religious traditions, heritage structures, infrastructure expansion and security requirements at critical public facilities.

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