Following political shifts in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, the traditionally strong ties between Kolkata and Bangladesh have seen a decline in visa issuances and people-to-people exchanges. Initiatives are being explored to revive these connections, focusing on youth engagement, cultural programs, and economic cooperation, alongside the critical need to resume suspended transport services and improve cross-border connectivity.

Following political shifts in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, the traditionally strong ties between Kolkata and Bangladesh have seen a decline in visa issuances and people-to-people exchanges. Initiatives are being explored to revive these connections, focusing on youth engagement, cultural programs, and economic cooperation, alongside the critical need to resume suspended transport services and improve cross-border connectivity.

Following political shifts in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, the traditionally strong ties between Kolkata and Bangladesh have seen a decline in visa issuances and people-to-people exchanges. Initiatives are being explored to revive these connections, focusing on youth engagement, cultural programs, and economic cooperation, alongside the critical need to resume suspended transport services and improve cross-border connectivity.

Kolkata has long been close to the hearts of many Bangladeshis, and ties between West Bengal and what was once East Bengal continued to soar despite the international border that has divided the two as separate countries since 1971. There was a bonhomie between former chief minister Mamata Banerjee and former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, until things changed with the political uprising in the neighbouring country in August 2024. Hasina’s exit and subsequent exile led to a decline in the number of visas issued to Bangladeshis travelling to Kolkata, though medical visas are still being issued.

After the BJP came to power in West Bengal, several factors contributed to growing uncertainty over ties with Bangladesh. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) that began before the assembly elections, the new government’s diktat of sending illegal immigrants back to the neighbouring country and the stringent measures to seal borders signalled a hostile vibe. 

From around 5,000 medical visas issued to Bangladeshis each day before 2024, the number has fallen drastically. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) returned to power in the neighbouring country in February this year, with Tarique Rahman becoming Prime Minister.

What can be done to strengthen ties between Kolkata and Bangladesh?

Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata Mohammad Khaled believes that ties between the two countries need to improve, which, in turn, could boost people-to-people exchanges. While functional relations between the two nations remain cordial, there are challenges that need to be addressed to ease existing tensions.

Khaled believes ties between the younger generations in both countries need to be improved, as many of them today have no direct connection with Bangladesh, but only one rooted in their ancestors. He also noted that the younger generation is often exposed to negative news about both countries. The human connection and curiosity to learn more about each other’s neighbouring country, he believes, need to be nurtured.

Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and iconic singer R.D. Burman are among the prominent figures with roots in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata is now seeking to foster stronger Gen Z ties between the two countries. As part of these efforts, it plans to reach out to Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, to explore ways to take the initiative forward. 

“There can be young exchange programmes through universities and  between cultural institutions,” said khaled.

Another suggestion was improving business between both countries by organising trade summits to foster economic growth and interdependence.

“We can have Bangladesh back as a participant country at the International Kolkata Book Fair, which has not happened since 2024,” added Khaled.

Due to the unrest and visa issues, Bangladesh missed out on being a participant country at the fair, with organisers choosing not to invite authors or host stalls from the neighbouring country.

Restricted movement remains a major hindrance to people-to-people relations, extending beyond security concerns. Multimodal transport options, including air, rail and road, could be considered for valid visa holders.

Both countries are also awaiting the resumption of train services between Bangladesh and West Bengal, including the Maitree Express, Bandhan Express and Mitali Express, which were suspended in 2024. Travel by sea remains largely unfeasible for passengers, although greater maritime connectivity could help boost trade between the two countries.

Cross-border bus services and air travel remain operational, but there is scope for further improvement.