Meheruban Habib, Patgram (Lalmonirhat)

After a gap of nearly two years, the resumption of Indian tourist visas has sparked widespread joy among business owners, transport operators, hotel authorities, and local residents around Burimari Land Port in Lalmonirhat.

People in the area are hopeful that business activities, employment, and economic life will regain momentum after a prolonged period of stagnation.

Following the announcement, hotels, restaurants, and transport counters that had remained closed due to the decline in passenger movement have begun preparations to reopen.

According to local sources, Burimari Immigration Check Post, the second-largest land port in Bangladesh, serves as a key gateway for travelers heading to India, Bhutan, and Nepal. The crisis began after the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Rangpur suspended visa processing on August 4, 2024. As a result, the number of passport holders crossing through Burimari dropped sharply. During this period, only limited business and medical visas were available, causing significant hardship for tourists and many visa applicants.

The decline in passenger traffic also reduced government revenue and severely affected the livelihoods of day laborers, rickshaw and van drivers, transport workers, and small business owners. Many hotels, transport services, and other businesses were forced to suspend operations, leaving numerous local workers unemployed.

On June 28, after nearly two years of waiting, Indian tourist visa applications resumed at five Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) across Bangladesh. The decision has been welcomed with enthusiasm by prospective travelers.

Palash, Manager of the Shyamoli NR Transport Counter, said, “Passenger numbers dropped significantly after Indian tourist visas were suspended.

According to Burimari Immigration authorities, after the suspension of Indian tourist visas on August 5, 2024, passenger movement through the land port declined sharply. Previously, around 500 to 600 passengers crossed the checkpoint daily. With only limited medical and business visas available, transport services, hotels, and other local businesses experienced a severe downturn, while many workers and small traders struggled to survive.

Saifur Rahman, OC of Burimari Immigration Police, said, “With the resumption of Indian tourist visa , the Immigration Police and Customs authorities are fully prepared to ensure smooth passenger movement and security.