Sales at Kolkata New Market have come to a standstill due to lack of Bangladeshi tourists

The economy of Kolkata’s New Market area has been hit hard by the visa restrictions for Bangladeshi tourists. Shops, hotels, hospitals are all empty as tourists have left. However, now the number of Bangladeshi tourists has started increasing again due to some relaxation in the rules for applying for other categories except tourist visas. Local businessmen have called for a reconsideration of the issue in the interest of the people of both countries. The economy of the area between Kolkata, the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, used to depend on Bangladeshi tourists. The Bangladeshi-dominated New Market area of Kolkata gradually became popular with Bangladeshi tourists due to low hotel rents, numerous food shops, shopping malls and the availability of necessary medical facilities. However, that picture changed after August 5 last year. The Indian government stopped tourist visas except for special category visas from August 13. There were also restrictions on medical visas. The people concerned say the reason is the shortage of workers and the excessive number of visa applications. The visa ban has affected a part of Kolkata’s overall economy. The number of Bangladeshi tourists is slowly decreasing. Although Bangladeshis were seen till January this year, the number of tourists has gradually come down to zero in the area since then. Many businesses have closed. A year has passed since the economic collapse. Still, the Indian government is in the same position as before. Therefore, local businessmen and people coming for medical treatment are demanding a quick resolution of the visa complications. Once the complications are resolved, people will be able to enter India for medical treatment. Business and trade will increase. However, now the number of Bangladeshi tourists has started increasing again due to some relaxation in the application rules for categories other than tourist visas. Local businessmen and tourists say that there has been a slight increase in tourists in the last few days. However, it is a handful. The visa issue needs to be reconsidered in the interest of the people of both countries. Analysts are also urging a quick end to the visa complications, considering the people of the two neighboring countries.