The temporary shutdown of Indian visa application centres in key Bangladeshi cities has sent shockwaves through the bustling commercial heart of central Kolkata, an area popularly known as 'mini Bangladesh'. The closures, prompted by political protests in the neighbouring nation, threaten to worsen an already severe downturn for businesses that depend almost entirely on visitors from across the border.
Economic Lifeline Severed
Traders and hoteliers in the area report that the latest development has deepened a prolonged economic slump. There are growing fears that tourism and medical travel from Bangladesh, a significant pillar of Kolkata's service economy, may dry up further in the coming months. Bangladeshi tourists are crucial contributors to the city's healthcare, hospitality, retail, and transport sectors. Their visits peak during festive seasons for shopping and leisure, while a steady stream travels specifically for advanced medical treatment.
"The closure of facilities in Dhaka, Khulna, and Rajshahi—which handle the majority of visa applications—will sharply increase travel costs and waiting times for applicants," explained Pintu Basak, owner of DK International Hotel on Marquis Street. "This will inevitably discourage potential visitors. The current turmoil will keep many potential tourists away from India altogether."
Streets Fall Silent, Businesses Struggle
The stark impact is visible in the cultural and commercial hubs traditionally favoured by Bangladeshi visitors: Marquis Street, Free School Street, Collin Street, and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road. Streets that once buzzed with families shopping, dining, and exploring now wear a subdued and quiet look. Business owners recount that tourist footfall had already reduced to a mere trickle since July 2024, when Bangladesh was gripped by political and economic unrest. This forced some establishments to shut down permanently or switch professions, while others held on, hoping for a revival.
There was a faint glimmer of hope in October 2024, with a marginal increase in arrivals. "The number went up by 10 to 15%, with almost all visitors coming on medical visas issued by the Indian government as a goodwill gesture," said Hyder Ali Khan, general secretary of the Free School Street Traders Association. "But the latest visa centre closures seem set to impact these already dwindling numbers." He added that increased application costs and longer waiting times at other centres could deter many from travelling, leading to cancellations and postponements.
A Cascade of Sectoral Impact
The slowdown has been stark for a wide ecosystem of service providers. For transport operators, eatery owners, forex dealers, and retailers, the absence of Bangladeshi tourists means a direct hit to their livelihoods. Abdul Rahman, a taxi operator, stated his daily trips have fallen drastically. A convenience store owner on Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road lamented the shift to relying on local customers. "They don't purchase in bulk. Bangladeshi tourists would buy everything from spices to chocolates in large quantities," he said.
Mohammad Intezar, secretary of the Currency Exchangers Association, echoed the sentiment of despair. "This area survives on Bangladeshi guests. Business collapsed since July last year due to the unrest there. From October, we saw a small rise because of medical visa patients. Now, traders feel even that hope is fading. Many might cancel plans due to the renewed tension, and the cost of travelling will also increase," he explained.
The situation underscores the deep economic and cultural interdependence between Kolkata and Bangladesh. The indefinite closure of key visa processing channels is not just an administrative hurdle but a significant economic event for the City of Joy, leaving its 'mini Bangladesh' precinct facing an uncertain future.
