'Mini Bangladesh' traders in Kolkata launch campaign to bring back Bangladeshi tourists, assure their safety
They aim to emphasise India's commitment to ensuring the security of visitors through coordinated efforts involving the Indian government, the West Bengal administration, and the local business community
Traders in Kolkata's New Market area, popularly referred to as "Mini Bangladesh" and known for its vibrant markets, Bangladeshi cuisine, and cultural exchanges, have launched a campaign to address safety concerns among Bangladeshi tourists, reports Times of India.
In a meeting on Tuesday (10 December), local business owners decided to leverage social media and personal outreach to reassure tourists of their safety.
They aim to underscore India's commitment to ensuring the security of visitors through coordinated efforts involving the Indian government, the West Bengal administration, and the local business community.
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The Times of India report added that this initiative is a response to misinformation circulating on social media, which has fueled fears about tourist safety amid ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh.
Traders from Marquis Street, Free School Street, Collin Street, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, and Kyd Street have been impacted, with hotels in the area—typically reliant on Bangladeshi tourists—reporting only 10–15% occupancy.
"Many regular visitors who want to visit for medical purposes have told us they postponed their trips over safety concerns. Many tourists who rushed back said they feared backlash. We have assured them they are absolutely safe in Kolkata and any part of India," said Hyder Ali Khan, general secretary of the ENT Free School Street Traders' Association.
"In the past two decades, an entire ecosystem developed in the area catering to Bangladeshi tourists. We want to assure everybody that Kolkata remains as welcoming as ever," said Pintu Basak, owner of a city hotel.
"Kolkata's Mini Bangladesh is more than just a hub of commerce; It is a symbol of the long ties between two nations. In these challenging times, we want to demonstrate how small gestures can go a long way in diffusing tension and reaffirming Kolkata's legacy of inclusivity and warmth," said NC Bhowmik, owner of a restaurant on Marquis Street.
