Pandemic & politics derail tourism, first shops start downing shutters in Kolkata’s Mini B’desh
Times of India | 31 March 2025
12 Kolkata: The once thriving business hub of Marquis Street, known as ‘Mini Bangladesh' for its popularity with Bangladeshi tourists, is witnessing a sharp decline in trade, forcing many eateries, guest houses and other commercial establishments in the area, which mostly depend on tourists, to shut down or pivot to survive.
In the first wave of shutdowns in the past few weeks, several eateries, guest houses, tour and travel agencies and garments shops have downed shutters. A few have switched businesses to stay afloat.
The area's traders suffered enormous losses during the pandemic, with hardly any tourists for nearly two years. They were trying to recoup some of their losses when the Bangladesh turmoil hit tourism again.
The trickle-down effect on Kolkata has resulted in a sharp decline in tourists. "The instability in Bangladesh and stringent visa-control measures have completely halted tourism. This has dealt a heavy blow to Kolkata's businesses that thrived on Bangladeshi tourism, particularly in and around Marquis Street and New Market," said Debanjan Ghosh, a member of the Free School Street Traders' Association.
Local traders said nearly all tourists now were "medical tourists". The total number of tourists would be, at most, 10% of the pre-pandemic figure. As a result, the once bustling Marquis Street and adjoining areas are now mostly deserted. Restaurants, shops and budget hotels are either shutting down or struggling to stay afloat.
In four-five months, nearly 40% eateries have shut. Restaurants such as Tayyab, Dhaka Mezban, Chattagram Mezban, Chittagong Restaurant, New Bombay Restaurant and Alam Hotel — once teeming with patrons — have downed shutters. "We were spending around Rs 10,000 per day just to operate but our daily earnings dropped to Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500," said Mohammad Danish, owner of New Bombay Restaurant. "The losses were unbearable." He is now thinking about renting out his space.
Some businesses have temporarily reopened for Ramzan, hoping to cater to the local population. "We shut down earlier but reopened for Ramzan to sell iftar and dinner. After Eid, we'll close again," said the owner of Sanam Hotel on Marquis Street. Others have shifted entirely to different businesses. Restaurants that once served authentic Bangladeshi cuisine are now selling garments during Ramzan to cater to Eid shoppers. "This is only for the month of Ramzan," explained Mohammad Alimuddin, owner of Tayyab Restaurant. "From next month, we'll rent out the space."
According to the Marquis Street Tour Travel Agents Association, almost 50% businesses have already wrapped up. "Some shops have closed down permanently. Others have started selling other things like clothes and footwear," said Ankit Singh, a money exchanger and travel agent on Marquis Street.
Several guest houses have also downed shutters because of bad business. Salauddin Guest House on Marquis Street, which had 14 rooms, has shut because of mounting losses. Calcutta Inn on Totti Lane, too, has shut down. "Several guest houses and hotels have shut down and many are on the verge of shutting down, as there are hardly any tourists," said Rajesh Sethi, president, Calcutta Hotel & Restaurant Owners' Association.
At this rate, the unique cultural identity of Marquis Street may soon fade, local traders fear. "This area was always known for its Bangladeshi flavour and culture," said shop owner Anwar Hossain. "If this trend continues, the essence of Mini Bangladesh may disappear completely."
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