Summary:
- Traders in Kolkata’s “Mini Bangladesh” area launched a campaign to reassure Bangladeshi tourists of their safety, addressing fears caused by misinformation on social media.
- The initiative involves coordinated efforts by the Indian government, West Bengal administration, and local businesses to counteract declining tourist numbers.
- Businesses in areas like Free School Street and Marquis Street have been severely impacted, with hotel occupancy dropping to 10–15% due to reduced Bangladeshi visitors.
- Local traders emphasized Kolkata’s welcoming culture and the area’s symbolic ties with Bangladesh, aiming to rebuild trust and revive tourism.
Traders in Kolkata’s “Mini Bangladesh,” a bustling hub known for its vibrant markets and cultural ties with Bangladesh, have launched a campaign to address safety concerns among Bangladeshi tourists. This initiative comes amidst a sharp decline in tourist arrivals due to fears fueled by misinformation on social media, exacerbated by the ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh. The traders aim to reassure visitors of their safety through coordinated efforts involving the Indian government, the West Bengal administration, and local business leaders.
The campaign was announced following a meeting on December 10, where traders from areas like Free School Street, Marquis Street, and Kyd Street discussed strategies to counter the misinformation. The region’s economy, heavily reliant on Bangladeshi tourists, has been severely impacted, with hotel occupancy rates plummeting to just 10–15%. Many Bangladeshi visitors, who often travel for medical purposes or leisure, have either postponed their trips or left India prematurely due to safety concerns.
Hyder Ali Khan, General Secretary of the Free School Street Traders’ Association, emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust. “Many regular visitors have told us they postponed their trips over safety concerns. We want to assure everybody that Kolkata remains as welcoming as ever,” he said. Similarly, Pintu Basak, a hotel owner in the area, highlighted the long-standing relationship between Kolkata and Bangladeshi tourists. “An entire ecosystem has developed here over two decades catering to Bangladeshi visitors. We must reaffirm our commitment to their safety and comfort,” he stated.
The misinformation has not only affected tourism but has also created economic challenges for local businesses. Traders report significant financial losses as their clientele dwindles. NC Bhowmik, a restaurant owner on Marquis Street, described the area’s cultural and economic significance: “Kolkata’s Mini Bangladesh is more than just a hub of commerce; it symbolizes the deep ties between our nations. In these challenging times, we want to demonstrate how small gestures can go a long way in diffusing tension.”
The decline in Bangladeshi tourists has broader implications for Kolkata’s economy. Many businesses in the area are now struggling to survive. Some hoteliers and traders have taken out loans or mortgaged assets to sustain operations but face mounting losses. The situation has also led some traders to reconsider their heavy reliance on Bangladeshi customers and explore ways to attract Indian tourists and locals.
The campaign seeks not only to restore confidence among Bangladeshi visitors but also to highlight Kolkata’s legacy of inclusivity and warmth. By leveraging social media and direct outreach, traders hope to counteract the negative narratives and reaffirm Kolkata as a safe and welcoming destination for all tourists.
This initiative underscores the critical role of tourism in fostering cross-border ties and supporting local economies. As both Indian and Bangladeshi authorities work toward addressing these challenges, the traders’ efforts serve as a reminder of the enduring bond between the two nations.
Source: TBS News
