Sudden India visa bonanza blamed for plummeting Bangladesh Benarasi sales

The festive sales may well be on in several big and small outlets in Dhaka, but the mood of Mirpur artisans and retailers at its famed Benarasi Palli is gloomy.

The shopping lane renowned for its Benarasi usually has it bursting at the seams with Eid buyers.

But this time round, it wears a desolate look. There's hardly any takers and the retailers who usually get no time to wink, catering to buyers before Eid, can be seen whiling away time in idle talk in their all but empty outlets.

Asked about the state of affairs during a Thursday visit to the lane, Tausif Benarasi seller Selim Hussain neither minced words nor took time to fathom what was wrong.

He told bdnews24.com that the buyers had gone to India.

"One will get clothes for several. Also, garments are available at a cheaper price. Who would then buy stuff at higher prices in Bangladesh?" he asks.

With the Eid ahead, the Indian High Commission organised a 12-day visa fair at various parts of the country, including at capital Dhaka.

About 50,000 easy visas were given. Sellers believe that this has played a huge role in pulling away some of their patrons.

Jamdani workers had also voiced similar concerns at an exhibition at the National Museum where they expressed fear about their future.

Selim said that November to January being the season of marriages, their products at this time are on high demand.

But the Eid is also big business time for them.

But the generosity with the visas could not have been more ill-timed for these sellers.