Fulbari (West Bengal) [India]: Ongoing unrest in Bangladesh has severely impacted trade activities at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) on the Indo-Bangladesh border in Fulbari, West Bengal. Exchange counters, once bustling with activity, now remain largely deserted.
Sanjay Ghosh, a trader at a money exchange counter in Fulbari, described the bleak situation. “The Indians who used to visit Bangladesh were a significant source of income for us. Now, with the visa restrictions, our business has taken a massive hit. Before the Covid pandemic, there was substantial business. While it declined post-Covid, the current unrest following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster has brought it to a complete standstill. We hope for stability in Bangladesh, which will benefit both their citizens and ours,” Ghosh told media.
Pradeep Singh, another exchange business owner, echoed similar concerns. “Currently, only 30-40 people are crossing into India daily. This is a sharp decline, and our business has been devastated. We want the situation to return to what it was earlier,” Singh said.
Amid the turmoil, Bangladeshi citizens like Saklen Ahmed, who traveled to India for medical treatment, also expressed concern. “I came to India on a medical visa because the treatment here is excellent. However, I heard that some hospitals, including those in Bangalore, have stopped treating Bangladeshi patients. This is disheartening. The relations between Bangladesh and India should improve for the benefit of both nations,” Ahmed stated.
The unrest in Bangladesh has strained India-Bangladesh relations. Recent reports of attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus have further complicated the situation.
To address these tensions, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Bangladesh on December 9 to hold talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart. The visit is seen as a step towards easing strained ties and fostering dialogue between the two neighbors.
The economic and social impact of the unrest is evident on both sides of the border, with businesses and citizens hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis.