Visas are now available, but Bangladeshis are not going to India

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India has re-introduced visas for Bangladeshis after a long time. However, this has not brought the desired momentum to tourism and business in Kolkata. Especially in areas like New Market, Marquis Street and Sadar Street – which were once crowded with Bangladeshi tourists – the previous picture is still not visible.

Kolkata’s businessmen and hoteliers had hoped that the visas would boost Bangladeshi tourist arrivals and end a long-standing slump. But that expectation has not been met. According to those involved, the political situation, security concerns and interest in alternative travel destinations are three reasons why many Bangladeshis are not as keen on traveling to India as they used to be.

There are also various discussions on social media about this. Many Bangladeshis feel that ensuring personal safety and respect is the most important thing when traveling. Some have expressed concern over reports of attacks or harassment on Muslims in various parts of India, including West Bengal. They say that in such an environment, there is naturally a reluctance to travel to India.

In addition, many have expressed the opinion that some statements and behaviors in the Indian political arena are also having a negative impact on many people.

With India’s visa restrictions for two years now, many Bangladeshis have opted for alternative destinations. Travel and business opportunities have increased in China in particular. Many people believe that it is more profitable to create business opportunities in China than to go to Kolkata just for shopping. At the same time, countries like Maldives, Thailand, Nepal, Singapore and Sri Lanka are also becoming increasingly popular with Bangladeshi tourists.

Kolkata’s traders are facing major losses due to the decline in Bangladeshi tourists. Traders in the New Market area claim that a large part of their sales depend on Bangladeshi buyers. But now sales have dropped significantly.

The situation is similar in the hotel sector. Several hotel owners on Marquis Street and Sadar Street said that earlier, rooms were booked for most of the year. Now, many rooms are lying vacant for days on end. This has made it difficult to meet operating costs and pay salaries to employees.

Travel agencies and tour operators say that a kind of psychological distance has been created among Bangladeshis about traveling to India. They do not believe that this situation will change soon. According to them, unless tourists’ sense of security and respect is restored, Kolkata’s tourism and business-centric economy will be further stressed.