CHATTOGRAM, Apr. 06: The office-goers and business people suffered a lot during the second day of lockdown that started on Monday.
Police resisted the movement of vehicles including public vehicles on the roads during the lockdown on Tuesday. As a result, the sufferings of commuters knew no bounds on the second day in Chattogram.
Owners of shops of the markets expressed their dissatisfaction since they could not run their businesses.
The export-import and production of garment factories and other industries, however, continued in full swing.
On the other hand, small traders opened the shops and hawkers sold goods on the second day. Besides, the road side shops were also opened. But, the markets like Biponi Bitan, Reajuddin Bazar, Tamakumundi Lane, Nupur Market, Sanmar Ocean City, Afmi Plaza, Mimi Super Market, Central Plaza, Amin Centre and other big markets could not open shops.
Magistrates conducted mobile courts in the port city.
President of Chattogram New Market Merchant Welfare Association Mohammed Sagir said, "Is the lockdown imposed only for markets while the garment factories, industries, road side shops and all other establishments are open? We urge to withdraw the lockdown and impose health rules strictly."
Fazlul Amin, organising secretary of Jahur Hawker Market Traders Association said, "We have to open the markets for the livelihoods of the businesspeople and staff of shops."
Mohammed Abu Hena Pearu, owner of a shop at Reajuddin Bazar said, "Last year we could not do our business due to coronavirus pandemic. The newly imposed lockdown may crash trade and business in the country."
Mahbubul Alam, president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) said, "Lockdown is not a permanent solution for resisting coronavirus outbreak. We should increase our medical facilities for patients immediately."
"If government wants to impose lockdown, authorities should talk with stakeholders. Otherwise, the government's step will annoy the people," he added.
Sayed Khurshid Alam, general secretary of Bangladesh Shop Owners' Association, Chattogram district branch said, "Lockdown should be implemented everywhere including at industries, ports, garment factories etc., not only at the markets."
President of Sanmar Ocean City Merchant Association and Finlay Market Merchant Association Iftekhar Hossain Asad said, "Why the fresh lockdown only for markets just before Pahela Baishakh and Ramadan, the pick season of sale?"
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