Reduced sales, low turnout mark reopening of Dhaka, Khatunganj markets

Even though shopping malls and markets have reopened following the relaxation of the curfew, customer turnout remains low. In the capital, shopping malls are nearly empty, while the Khatunganj wholesale market in Chattogram, after a six-day closure, is experiencing significantly reduced sales.

Mouchak Market, one of Dhaka's oldest and busiest shopping centres, usually welcomes around 5,000 visitors daily. However, today, shopkeepers were seen sitting idle and chatting due to the lack of customers.

Sirajul Islam Chowdhury, president of the Mouchak Market Traders' Association, said, "Sales are almost nonexistent, and customer presence is near zero. We kept the market open hoping for more visitors, but they have not come. We hope to see improvements by this Friday."

At the Moghbazar Electro Junction Plus showroom, owner Mohammad Russell reported, "We kept the showroom open despite having no sales. We have invested a lot and need to remain open as long as the curfew is relaxed. We are waiting for customers, though only a few have bought water filter kits."

Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity President Md Helal Uddin said, "People seem to be regaining their sense of normalcy, which is why we have reopened the shops. Restoring public confidence is crucial. We know that people will only shop if absolutely necessary."

He added, "If shops remain closed for too long, goods will spoil. Keeping them open helps prevent this."

Md Helal Uddin further explained, "As long as the curfew is relaxed, we will keep shops and markets open. Once the curfew is lifted, we will return to our usual hours from 9am to 9:30pm."

According to the Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity, closing all shops in the country for a single day results in a loss of at least Tk2,000 crore. Md Helal Uddin noted that the full impact of the current situation will be assessed and discussed with business owners once things return to normal.

Khatunganj market sees reduced sales

The Khatunganj wholesale market, the largest for consumer goods in the country, reopened today after a six-day closure. However, trade remains much lower than usual due to the ongoing curfew.

Compounding the issue, partial bank branch closures have disrupted online transactions, and the recent suspension of port supplies has driven up prices for essential commodities.

Mohammad Sekandar, owner of a wholesale shop in Hamidullah Market in Khatunganj, said, "Even though the shops are open, there are no buyers from distant areas. Only local shopkeepers have come to the market. The partial closure of bank branches has caused transaction issues."

He added, "This morning, a customer tried to pay with a cheque from South Bangla Agriculture Bank, but it couldn't be cashed here because the Navy Gate branch in Chattogram is still closed. Similarly, a cheque from First Security Bank's Bahaddarhat branch also couldn't be cashed as that branch remains closed."

Sabbir Ahmed Chowdhury, manager of Standard Bank's Khatunganj branch, said, "Since the bank reopened this morning, we've had a lot of customers. However, most people are withdrawing cash rather than conducting other transactions.

"We're having trouble clearing cheques because not all branches are open. Several cheques submitted today have not yet been processed."

Solaiman Badsha, former president of the Khatunganj Wholesale Traders' Association, said, "Nearly all the shops and warehouses opened today. However, there are fewer buyers and sales are low. Prices for goods have risen due to the recent suspension of port supplies."

Traders have reported significant price increases for essential goods. Palm oil has risen by Tk100 per maund to Tk5,000, while rice prices have increased by Tk50 to Tk100 per sack.

The government imposed a nationwide curfew last Saturday due to widespread violence over the quota reform protests. This followed a complete shutdown by student protesters the previous Thursday. As a result, the main wholesale market in Khatunganj was paralysed for six days until Tuesday.

Syed Sagir Ahmed, general secretary of the Khatunganj Trade and Industries Association, said, "Khatunganj supplies 40% of the country's consumer goods. The area has about 5,000 wholesale shops and warehouses, with daily transactions ranging from Tk2,000 to Tk2,500 crore.

"Over the past week, transactions worth at least Tk10,000 crore did not happen. However, most shops have reopened today, and we expect sales to rise starting tomorrow."