🔥 Trending West Bengal Government Orders Closure of Historic Bankra Mosque

The 136-year-old Bankra Mosque, located within the premises of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, West Bengal, is currently at the center of a security and relocation controversy ¹²⁴. As of July 2026, prayers at the mosque have been temporarily suspended, and public access has been restricted due to security concerns ¹⁴⁶⁷.

Historical Context and Current Situation

The Bankra Mosque predates the Kolkata airport itself, having been built approximately 136 years ago, long before Dum Dum Airport was developed ²³. This historical placement means the mosque is situated within what is now a highly sensitive operational area of the airport ⁴⁶.

For decades, the presence of the mosque within the airport premises has been a point of contention ². The ongoing construction work at the airport and heightened security concerns have brought the issue to the forefront again ¹⁶.

Key Developments

• Suspension of Prayers and Public Access: Prayers at the mosque have been suspended since Saturday, July 12, 2026, and public entry has been halted ¹⁴⁶. This decision follows a demand from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security to restrict unrestricted civilian movement in sensitive airport zones ⁶.
• Relocation Discussions: The Airport Authority of India (AAI), the mosque committee, the West Bengal government, and central security agencies are engaged in discussions regarding the future of the mosque ¹. The relocation of the mosque has been a renewed focus, particularly with efforts from the BJP government in Bengal ²⁵.
• Security Concerns: The primary reason cited for the restrictions and relocation talks is security. The mosque's location within the airport's operational area and the unrestricted movement of civilians to access it have been deemed a security risk ⁶⁷.
• Community Response: While access has been restricted, community elders have advised against confrontation, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue rather than protest ⁸.
• Political Discourse: The situation has also become a political talking point, with West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya defending the proposed relocation, stating it is "not a matter of temple or mosque" but rather a security issue ⁵⁹.

The discussions are ongoing, with various stakeholders aiming to find a resolution that addresses both security requirements for the airport and the historical and religious significance of the mosque ¹⁷.