After the curfew was lifted at 6:00 am yesterday, there was a noticeable lack of activity in the towns of Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Sunamganj, and Sylhet districts. Despite the easing of restrictions, many shops and businesses remained closed, with only a few brave enough to open their doors. This reluctance to resume normal operations can be attributed to the recent period of unrest and uncertainty that has gripped the region.
One of the major shopping hubs in Moulvibazar town, Central Road-Paschimbazar, was eerily quiet as many shops chose to keep their shutters down between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. The fear of vandalism and arson attacks by mobs loomed large, causing shop owners to err on the side of caution. Those few establishments that did open their doors experienced a lackluster turnout of customers and a significant drop in sales, painting a grim picture of the economic situation in the area.
Local traders voiced their concerns, noting that people were still hesitant to venture out of their homes despite the lifting of the curfew. The lingering sense of fear and uncertainty, coupled with the absence of public transport on the roads, contributed to the poor turnout of customers. Since the end of July, many businesses have been struggling to stay afloat, with mounting bills and dwindling revenues adding to their woes.
The aftermath of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on Monday saw a mix of celebration and chaos in the streets. What started as jubilant processions quickly descended into violence, with properties, businesses, and shops becoming targets of vandalism and looting. Sumesh Das Jisu, a shop owner at Manager Stall, recounted the damage inflicted on his 76-year-old sweet shop and other businesses in Moulvibazar town, highlighting the widespread impact of the unrest.
Reports of attacks on the police outpost at Chaumohana Chatwar and vandalism at Mamar Bari Restaurant further fueled the sense of panic among residents. Atikur Rahman Akhoi, the general secretary of Kulaura Traders Association, lamented the cumulative impact of recent events on businesses already reeling from the effects of floods and the student movement demanding quota reform. The prevailing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty has kept most people indoors, leading to a sharp decline in customer footfall.
In the face of these challenges, Kamal Hossain, the general secretary of Srimangal Traders Association, issued a rallying cry for resilience and perseverance. He urged fellow traders to stand firm and keep their businesses running, despite the prevailing circumstances. The road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, but it is essential for the economic recovery of the region that businesses continue to operate and serve their communities.
In conclusion, the aftermath of recent events has left a deep impact on the business landscape of Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Sunamganj, and Sylhet districts. The reluctance of shops and businesses to reopen, coupled with the subdued consumer activity, paints a stark picture of the challenges facing the local economy. As the region strives to recover from the recent turmoil, it is crucial for businesses to band together, show resilience, and work towards rebuilding a sense of normalcy and prosperity in the community.