‘Mini Bangladesh’ rickshaw-pullers pay price for Bangla turmoil, seek other jobs

The strained diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh have severely impacted the livelihood of 80-odd rickshaw-pullers, who operate in the ‘Mini Bangladesh’ Marquis Street area. For these rickshaw-pullers, who primarily serve Bangladeshi tourists, earnings have declined 75% over the past three months in the absence of visitors from the neighbouring country. Several of them have started taking up new jobs, such as cargo loading.

The sight of Bangladeshi tourists, carrying big shopping bags and travelling by rickshaws along Marquis Street, Mirza Ghalib Street, Free School Street and Sudder Street was common in “mini Bangladesh” even a few months ago. But the protests and the consequent turmoil in Bangladesh have kept Bangladeshi visitors with tourist visas to the minimum. Most of the people still coming to Kolkata from Bangladesh are those seeking medical treatment.

“We ferry Bangladeshi tourists throughout the year. Before Eid, Durga Puja and the wedding season, the number increases significantly. But the number of Bangladeshi visitors has nosedived over the past three-four months,” said Sodepur resident Prasenjit Saha, who has been working as a rickshaw-puller in the area for a decade. “I would earn Rs 700-Rs 800 daily even four months ago, now the earnings have come down to Rs 200 a day.” Another rickshaw-puller, Md Rafiq from Canning, said, “Their number has become so few that it becomes difficult to earn even Rs 200-250 a day. Those visiting for treatment do not usually go out shopping or take a rickshaw ride for fun.” As a result, many, like Md Sajjak, have taken up other jobs or are looking for alternatives. Sajjak worked as a rickshaw-puller for six years but now, he has started working with caterers. “He takes out his rickshaw only in his free time. As we don’t own rickshaws, we have to pay Rs 70 a day to the owner whether we earn or not,” said rickshaw-puller Md Adil, a Park Circus resident struggling to make ends meet.

“Restrictions on new tourist visas have kept Bangladeshis from visiting India. The visas of some will expire soon. So there is no hope for us to revive our income,” said Anwar Hossain from Baruipur, who has to borrow to pay for his children’s education.