Kolkata's 'Mini Bangladesh' Community Anxiously Follows Homeland Election Drama
On a Thursday afternoon in Kolkata, the television sets inside numerous guesthouses and hotels along Marquis Street displayed an unusual sight. Instead of the typical Bengali soap operas or cricket matches, screens were uniformly tuned to live election coverage streaming from Bangladesh. This visual shift marked a day of intense political engagement for the Bangladeshi community temporarily residing in what locals call 'Mini Bangladesh.'
A Neighborhood Transformed Into Election Central
The cluster of interconnected lanes and bylanes encompassing Marquis Street, Free School Street, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, and Collin Street experienced an atmosphere far removed from an ordinary weekday. For the Bangladeshi tourists and residents in this area, Wednesday transformed into a day of real-time political participation despite geographical separation. Tourists gathered outside tea shops and small stores, constantly refreshing news updates on their smartphones while maintaining a palpable sense of connection to events unfolding hundreds of kilometers away.
"I am currently in Kolkata receiving medical treatment, which prevented me from being in Dhaka to cast my vote personally," explained Haji Moin Hoque, a businessman from Bangladesh. "My family members stood in line at our local polling booth and sent me photographs throughout the process. Physically I may be present in Kolkata, but mentally and emotionally, my entire focus remains in Bangladesh during this critical democratic exercise."
Digital Lifelines and Heightened Anxiety
Throughout hotel corridors and public spaces, conversations consistently revolved around voter turnout percentages, candidate performances, and emerging electoral trends. At neighborhood tea stalls, tourists found common ground with local residents through shared predictions and political speculation. The digital sphere became particularly crucial, with Facebook Live streams, YouTube broadcasts, and active WhatsApp groups serving as primary information channels throughout the election day.
"Back in our homeland, elections represent a monumental event that touches every family," shared Bilqees Begum, who was staying at a hotel on Collin Street. "Being here in Kolkata, physically distant from my family during this period, generates significant anxiety. I worry constantly about whether everything remains peaceful. I find myself calling my son and daughter-in-law practically every hour for reassurance and updates."
As the day progressed, anticipation visibly intensified within the community. Each new development or result from across the border prompted immediate discussions and murmurs among gathered tourists. Phone calls became more frequent, with many expressing regret about their timing in Kolkata.
Economic Impact and Hopes for Stability
The political situation in Bangladesh has created tangible economic repercussions for businesses catering to the Bangladeshi community in Kolkata. According to local traders, business activity has noticeably declined since political turmoil emerged in Bangladesh in June 2024. Over the subsequent twenty months, the previously steady stream of leisure and shopping visitors from Bangladesh has diminished substantially.
Traders estimate that tourism from Bangladesh has reduced to approximately twenty percent of previous levels, with most current visitors traveling specifically on medical visas rather than for tourism or shopping. "For our businesses here in Kolkata, stability in Bangladesh directly translates to normalcy in our daily operations," stated Raja Ghosh, who manages a hotel on Marquis Street. "We are collectively hoping that once these election results are finalized, political conditions will stabilize, allowing both countries to benefit from renewed normalcy and improved cross-border movement."
Nazma Begum, staying with relatives near Free School Street, revealed she had considered postponing her trip due to the election timing. "Our travel plans were established well in advance, making changes difficult," she explained. "Now I find myself constantly checking Facebook Live channels broadcasting directly from Bangladesh to stay informed. The distance makes me feel somewhat disconnected, but technology helps bridge that gap."
Kabirul Islam, another tourist receiving medical treatment in Kolkata, echoed this sentiment: "I keep checking various news sources continuously because I don't want to miss any significant development. Even though we cannot participate physically, staying informed feels like the next best form of participation during this historic moment for our nation."
