Spike in Bangladesh-India Travel During Durga Puja Holidays

Traveller movement through Benapole land port surged during the Durga Puja holidays, with over 9,427 Bangladeshis crossing to India from September 22-27, nearly double the count from ten days prior.

Many tourists hailed from Khulna, Bagerhat, Narail, and Dhaka. Some travelled to reunite with family or enjoy festivities in Kolkata, while others sought medical care.

Benapole’s Assistant Director Faisal Ahsan Sajib noted that resuming previous visa facilities by Indian authorities would further increase tourist flow, benefiting government revenue, businesses, and border operations.

Visa restrictions imposed in August 2024 caused earlier declines in cross-border travel.