Stuck in Kol, Bangla visitors fret over expiring visa, fund shortage
Times of India | 9 August 2024
Kolkata: Rukhsana Bano is in a dilemma. The Bangladeshi national can’t decide whether to apply for an extension of her visa, which will expire on Aug 10, or try to return home, though the direct bus services are yet to resume. She is in Kolkata for her treatment at a Dhakuria hospitaland is fast running out of money.
Sohrab Hossain (56) arrived in Kolkata from Dhaka on Saturday for treatment of his asthma.Until he visits his doctor, with whom he has an appointment on Friday, he can’t finalise his return plan but he is not keen on staying back too long.
Some running out of money in hand—the value of Taka is dropping amid the unrest in Bangladesh—and visa expiring for some, several Bangladeshis, who are in Kolkata for trade or treatment, are trying to figure out how to return home at the earliest despite the trouble there. They have pinned their hopes on the resumption of direct road connectivity, which will make their travel much easier. Currently, the buses are dropping passengers at the Petrapole border, from where they have to arrange their own vehicles.
“I am unwell and my elder brother is ill, too. There is news of violence outside Dhaka. So we are unsure about getting any transport from the border,” said a tense Rukhsana. Her brother, Al Ameen, said they did not have much time before they must decide on whether to return or apply for an extension of visa. “Our visa will expire on Aug 10 and at the same time, we are running short of money. I am praying for the road connectivity to resume fast so that we can return,” said Ameen.
Mohammad Sharfuddin Sayem, a businessman from Chittagong, is one of those fretting about his return journey. “I came to Kolkata to buy saris but got stuck here. I am waiting for direct bus services to resume before I leave for Dhaka. Given the huge stock I will carry, it won’t be safe to change vehicles at the border and travel,” said Sayem.
According to hotel owners in the Marquis Street area, only a few hundred Bangladeshis are here, most of them visiting for medical purposes. “The few staying here are not travelling back due to age-related issues, medical conditions or safety concerns,” said Mohammad Nazim of Hotel Golden Apple.
Sohrab Ali Hossain has a doctor’s appointment on Friday before he can decide about returning. “I hope the situation doesn’t deteriorate further,” said Hossain, worried about facing money shortage.