Traders in Kolkata's ‘Mini Bangladesh' area, known for its bustling markets, eateries selling Bangladeshi cuisine, and cultural exchanges, have come together to address safety concerns among Bangladeshi tourists.
They decided in a meeting on Tuesday that they will assure Bangladeshi tourists of India's commitment to ensuring their safety through coordinated efforts on social media and personal outreach.
Through such initiatives, tourists from Bangladesh will be told that their safety is a top priority for the Indian government, the West Bengal administration, and the local business community.
Traders said this initiative will counter misinformation and misconceptions about the safety of Bangladeshi tourists in Kolkata, which have recently surfaced on social media, triggering fear among them. The prevalence of such misinformation led some visitors to leave India prematurely and others to reconsider their travel plans.
Members of several smaller traders' associations in the area united to brainstorm ways to bring back tourists as their absence led to a sharp dip in business on Marquis Street, Free School Street, Collin Street, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, and Kyd Street.
Hotels in these areas, which are mostly filled by Bangladeshi tourists, registered only 10 to 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 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 hotel in the city.
"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 reaffirm Kolkata's legacy of inclusivity and warmth," said NC Bhowmik, owner of a restaurant on Marquis Street.