Dhaka, Aug. 5 -- Kolkata's New Market-popularly known as "Mini Bangla" and other retail hubs are facing a major blow to business opportunities ahead of this year's Eid-ul-Fitr festival due to an unexpected drop in Bangladeshi tourist arrivals.
This central Kolkata area, covering around two square kilometres, houses over 100 hotels and nearly 3,000 shops, many of which heavily rely on tourists from Bangladesh.
Typically, these markets are bustling with Bangladeshi shoppers during this festive season. However, the usual crowd is notably absent this year, leading to a sharp decline in sales. Several shops are struggling to pay rent, with some already shutting down, according to media sources.
Residential hotels are also experiencing low occ...