Bangla on boil, ‘mini Bangla’ frets over blow to business
Times of India | 19 December 2025
Kolkata: The temporary shutdown of India's visa application centres in Dhaka, Khulna, and Rajshahi following political protests in the neighbouring nation has dealt another blow to businesses in central Kolkata's "mini Bangladesh" that depend heavily on Bangladeshi visitors. Traders in the area said the latest development has deepened an already prolonged downturn, raising fears that tourism and medical travel from across the border may dry up further in the coming months.
Bangladeshi tourists form a significant part of Kolkata's tourism economy, contributing to healthcare, hospitality, retail, and transport services. Many visit during festive seasons for shopping and leisure, while others travel for medical treatment. "The closure of facilities in Dhaka and other regions—which account for the bulk of visa applicants—will sharply increase travel costs and waiting times, discouraging potential visitors. The latest round of turmoil will also discourage many potential tourists from visiting India," said Pintu Basak, owner of DK International Hotel on Marquis Street.
The impact is visible in pockets around Marquis Street, Free School Street, Collin Street, and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, long regarded as cultural and commercial hubs for Bangladeshi tourists. Streets that once bustled with families shopping and dining now wear a subdued look. Many business owners say tourism was already reduced to a trickle since July 2024, when Bangladesh became embroiled in political and economic unrest. Some shut down their establishments or switched professions, while others held on in the hope of a revival.
Since Oct, there was a marginal uptick in the arrival of tourists. "The number went up by 10 to 15%, almost all coming on medical visas which the Indian govt issued as a goodwill gesture. But it seems the latest developments will impact the already dwindling numbers of tourists," said Hyder Ali Khan, general secretary of the Free School Street Traders Association. Many feel the increase in waiting time and cost of applying for a visa at other centres might discourage people from travelling. Many might even cancel or postpone their plans due to the ongoing tension.
"This area survives on Bangladeshi guests. Since July last year, business collapsed due to the unrest there. From Oct, we saw a small rise because some patients were coming on medical visas. Now traders feel even that hope may be fading as many might cancel their plans in the wake of the latest round of tension. The cost of travelling will also increase," said Mohammad Intezar, secretary of the Currency Exchangers Association.
For transport operators, eatery owners, forex dealers, and retailers, the slowdown has been stark. Abdul Rahman, a taxi operator, said his daily trips have fallen drastically. The owner of a convenience store on Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road said they now have to depend on local customers. "But they don't purchase in bulk. Bangladeshi tourists would buy things from spices to chocolates in large quantities," he said.