The three-day blockade has dealt significant economic losses to businesses in Dhaka, with many establishments forced to close due to fear and uncertainty of vandalism.
Buyers from outside the city have also been unable to access the capital's wholesale markets, leading to a significant decrease in economic activity.
The blockade has also had a negative impact on low-income people and labourers, who rely on daily work to support themselves and their families. With less traffic on the roads and people less likely to leave their homes, these individuals are experiencing a significant decrease in income.
Traders and shopkeepers of the capital’s New Market have also been affected by the blockade. With fewer customers, they are concerned that their income for the entire month will be impacted.
Hafeez, a salesperson of Ratul Fashion in the market, told The Business Post, “People are reluctant to leave their homes due to the political unrest, which has had a significant impact on our business. On other days, I would have had at least one customer by now, but I have not seen a single one yet. The area is completely deserted."
Shops in the Science Laboratory, New Market, Gauchia Market, Chandrima Super Market, Noorjahan Super Market, Globe Shopping Center, Nilkhet and Elephant Road were less crowded than usual.
Traders are attributing the low customer turnout to the blockade and the economic downturn.
Sirajul Islam, the owner of Saree Bitan, said, “People are spending less money on shopping because they have less disposable income. If the current situation persists, we can expect a further decline in sales."
Street vendors and hawkers have also been adversely affected by the blockade.
A street vendor stated, “Our primary source of income is derived from sales at this temporary shop. However, due to political unrest, blockades, strikes, and labour movements, people are no longer coming, and our sales have plummeted. If this continues, we will be in a difficult situation.”
Newmarket Business Association President Dewan Aminul Islam Shaheen stated, “We always value peace. A large number of people in this area are the sole breadwinners of their families. Such a setback at the beginning of the month would be a major disaster for us. We have to close our shops quickly due to security concerns. This will result in losses. This cannot continue. As a result, we traders always anticipate a favourable environment.”
Ratul Collection proprietor Farhan Hasan Ratul said, “Every businessman suffers losses due to blockades. We want people's suffering to be reduced, and the business environment to be favourable.”
This correspondent found a similar situation at the capital's largest kitchen market Karwan Bazar.
Md Mehedi Hasan, a seller at the market said, “There are no customers in the market today and sales are low. Although people are still concerned about going outside, there are more customers today compared to the last two days.”
Business owners said any political unrest and incidents of violence increase uncertainty in the trade and commerce sector, and unplanned shop closures hurt them financially.
Md Golam Kibria, cashier of Karwan Bazar 2no Market Traders Union said, “Businesses are in a pinch as the market is currently devoid of customers. Sales have plummeted from Tk 10,000-15,000 to Tk 2,500. The situation has caused widespread panic among the traders”
