Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and rising diplomatic tension between Bangladesh and India, cross-border travel and medical tourism have sharply declined. Bangladeshi patients, once the majority of India’s foreign medical clientele, are now seeking treatment in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Turkey, and China. Immigration data from Burimari land port in Lalmonirhat show daily passenger crossings dropping from 400–600 to under 70 since August 5, when India tightened visa rules.

Officials and travel agents report that India’s suspension of tourist, business, and student visas, coupled with stricter medical visa conditions, has discouraged Bangladeshi travelers. Hospitals in Bangkok, including Bumrungrad and Vejthani, have seen a 20% rise in Bangladeshi patients. Meanwhile, Indian hospitals that once relied heavily on Bangladeshi medical tourists are facing steep declines in revenue.

Analysts suggest that India’s restrictive policies have backfired economically, hurting hospitals and hospitality sectors in West Bengal. Experts urge Bangladesh to develop international-standard hospitals domestically to reduce dependence on foreign medical care.