Dhaka springs to life as lockdown eased
Economists warn there will be a crisis if the government is forced to impose another lockdown
The usual hustle and bustle of daily life in the capital returned on Wednesday after a 19-day strict lockdown, with transports stuck in traffic jams on many roads.
Traders said the economy would revive as the lockdown had been lifted and businesses had reopened.
Keeping everything open as per hygiene guidelines would keep the wheels of the economy turning, said economists.
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But they also warned that there would be a crisis if the government was forced to impose a lockdown again.
Sayema Haque Bidisha, an economics teacher at the University of Dhaka, said keeping infections under control creates demand in the market as people go out and participate in various economic activities.
She said now the government has to be strict about people following hygiene rules.
People must be vaccinated fast so that a lockdown is not needed again if infections rise, she added.
Heavy traffic congestions were observed in Farmgate, Banglamotor, Shahbagh, Elephant Road, and New Market among other areas since Wednesday morning.
But bus drivers said the number of passengers was relatively low as many people had not yet returned from their hometowns.
Shops and markets started to open in the morning, and almost all markets were open in the afternoon.
Md Sumon, owner of Mayer Anchal Sharee at Eastern Plaza, said he was hoping that there would be no more lockdowns.
He said traders bear heavy losses if they have to keep shops closed because they still have to pay rent and workers' wages.
"I have run out of capital. Now I am indebted."
Many traders said customer turnout was relatively low as businesses reopened after many days.
But there were huge crowds at New Market and Gausia, especially at jewellery and clothing stores.
People hardly used face masks and maintained social distancing.
Robiul Islam of Lauhajang Sharee at Dhanmondi Hawkers Market said many had come for wedding shopping. He sold Tk15,000 worth of shares.
Helal Uddin, president of Bangladesh Shop Owners Association, said all markets in the country had been reopened in compliance with hygiene rules.
He said some products had been damaged during the closure and his association was calculating the extent of the damage.
Shabab Leather owner Maksuda Khatun said she sells products to businesses in many of the big markets in Dhaka, including Jamuna Future Park and Bashundhara City Shopping Complex.
But she did not get orders as markets remained closed during the lockdown.
Md Faruq of New Work Textile at New Market was worried as he had heard rumours that there might be another lockdown.
"That is bad news for us. We will starve if we cannot open our business. We do not want to keep our business shut due to another lockdown," he added.
The government imposed restrictions on 5 April to contain rising Covid-19 infections and those were extended in phases. A strict lockdown came into effect on 1 July.
The strict lockdown was relaxed for eight days during Eid-ul-Adha. It resumed on 23 July and continued till 5 August.
It was later extended till 10 August.
But the government allowed export-oriented industries to reopen on 1 August due to pressure from owners. All industries reopened on 5 August.
Though office, public transports, and all businesses conditionally reopened on Wednesday, entertainment venues and educational institutions are still closed.
