Shopping malls and markets reopened yesterday after remaining shut for 19 days in a row, as the government has lifted restrictions amid the surging cases of coronavirus infection.
Although shops and malls have reopened, most of the shopkeepers were not satisfied on the first day as the markets did not witness the expected number of customers.
Most of the capital’s major shopping malls and markets were found less crowded compared to the regular days before lockdown.
Shopkeepers of New Market, ChadniChawk, Gausia Market, Noor Mansion, Chandrima Super Market spent idle time waiting for customers.
One reason behind these areas being comparatively less crowded was the sudden downpour in the morning. Many shops were also opened late due to this reason.
The situation was the same in all the markets and shops in the New Market area. There was no crowd in this bustling market area of the capital.
Most of the people were without masks and some were seen wearing theirs below the chin.
Many traders expressed fear of not being able to recover losses, in case another lockdown is enforced.
Monirul Islam, a salesman of Noor Mansion told Bangladesh Post, “Only a few customers have showed up since morning but no one has bought anything. Hopefully, more customers will visit in the afternoon”.
A similar scenario was observed in Bashundhara City Shopping Mall and Jamuna Future Park.
The outlet manager of Gentle Park in Bashundhara City told Bangladesh Post that customers are coming but the number was relatively low.
“We hoped that more customers would visit on the first day. It’s almost afternoon and no product has been sold yet”, he added.
Although there was an automatic disinfection chamber at the entrance of Bashundhara City, it was out of work.
Even though the number of customers was relatively less, the narrow passages inside shops did not provide enough space to maintain social distancing.
Lockdown on a limited scale was imposed on June 28 due to the increase in coronavirus infection. Shops and malls across the country were closed from that day as part of the restriction.
The government relaxed strict restrictions for eight days circulating around Eid-ul-Azha. During this time, traders got the opportunity to run their business. Strict restrictions were enforced again from July 23 to August 5. Later it was extended till August 10. The lockdown was lifted from yesterday allowing shopping malls and markets to reopen.