Bangladeshis in Kolkata on med visa keep an eye on elections back home

Kolkata: With Bangladesh set to vote on Thursday in a crucial national election following political turmoil in June 2024, many Bangladeshi nationals currently in Kolkata on medical visa will be unable to return home to cast their ballots. Though they closely followed developments back home through news on the internet and conversations with relatives, health took precedence over participating in what they described as a crucial election. After travelling to Kolkata for treatment, and securing visa and hospital appointments "with difficulty", they said health concerns compelled them to stay back. Mizbauddin Saikat from Khulna was on his way to Howrah station on Wednesday afternoon to travel to Chennai for his mother's treatment. "It is a very important election and I wish I could be home to cast my vote. But I have to accompany my mother for her treatment. Her treatment is the priority at present," said Saikat.
Munawwar Hussain, who is in Kolkata for medical care, said he thought of deferring his Kolkata visit but decided against it. "If it were any other time, I would request the doctor for an appointment after the elections. But we got the visa with great difficulty, and did not want to take a chance," he said. Another visitor said uncertainty over the political situation influenced his decision. "The situation was unpredictable for several months. We do not know how it will evolve or whether we will be able to travel to India in the near future. So, we decided to come now instead of waiting for election day to cast our vote," he said.Md Salim Raza said, "I got the visa and doctor's appointment with great difficulty. I wish I could cast my vote, but health is important, so I decided to be in Kolkata." The election in Bangladesh has come after a period of instability that disrupted normal life and travel. The political turmoil in mid-2024 led to a dip in tourism, affecting hospitality and retail sectors in Marquis Street, Sudder Street and Free School Street in central Kolkata, often referred to as "mini Bangladesh", that traditionally depend on Bangladeshi visitors.Hotel owners in the locality said footfall has dipped sharply since the unrest. "Earlier, a significant portion of our guests were from Bangladesh. Rooms used to be full for most parts of the year," said a hotel owner on Marquis Street, adding: "Now, occupancy has dropped considerably. Most of the visitors are coming on medical visa, and overall numbers are much lower than before."