fter the recent political upheaval, India has suspended issuing visas to Bangladeshis, citing security concerns. This decision has significantly reduced passenger traffic between the two countries.
Many citizens believe the visa suspension is adversely affecting trade and business on both sides.
Benapole Port, located just 84 kilometers from Kolkata, India, serves as a major transit point for travelers between Bangladesh and India. The Benapole-Petrapole route is widely used for business, medical treatment, tourism, and other purposes.
India’s decision to halt issuing visas to Bangladeshis following the unrest triggered by a mass uprising has drastically impacted travel through this route. In 2024, the number of travelers declined by 234,000 compared to 2023.
This reduction has not only affected Bangladeshi travelers but has also resulted in fewer Indian visitors.
The decreased number of passengers has eased pressure on immigration counters. Imtiaz Mohammad Ahsanul Kader Bhuiyan, Officer-in-Charge of Benapole Immigration, noted that the suspension of Indian visa services has led to a significant drop in passenger traffic.
However, he emphasized that immigration officials remain fully prepared to assist travelers who obtain visas.
Travelers have pointed out that since the interim government assumed office, Bangladesh’s security situation has improved considerably. They believe that under the current circumstances, India should consider resuming its visa services.
Passengers at Benapole Port expressed their frustrations, stating that the suspension of Indian visas has hindered Bangladeshis from traveling for purposes such as tourism, medical treatment, and education.
They added that the suspension is also causing difficulties for Indians, who are unable to travel to Bangladesh.
Faisal Ahsan Sajib, Assistant Director of Benapole Land Port, acknowledged that the suspension has temporarily impacted the port’s revenue. However, he remains optimistic that the situation will stabilize soon.
As of January 19, the latest data indicates that 1,735 passport holders traveled between Bangladesh and India via Benapole, reflecting a significant decline in cross-border movement.
