More than two months into the on-going blockade and hartal enforced by the BNP-led 20-party alliance, the situation seems to be getting worse for the small traders in Savar.
Lack of customers, shortage in raw materials supply and hike in the transportation fare have resulted in huge loss for these traders who operate with only a small capital.
Many businesses have been shut down due to the losses and many traders are also contemplating to close down.
The rapid growth of garments and other industries in Savar in the last few years has boosted the local economy. Many people have set up small shops to trade in ready-made garments and be self-reliant.
A visit to the multi-storey shopping malls in Savar bus stand area found many shops to be devoid of customers. And the shops that had a few customers were bound to sell products at a cheaper price.
Owner of Sinha Collection, a shop at the City Centre shopping mall in the area, Sohel said previously he would sell products worth Tk15-20,000 a day. “But due to the blockade, I could not sell even Tk20,000 in the last two months,” he said.
“I have three employees in my shop. And it takes me about Tk40,000 per month to maintain the shop. In this situation, I am having to spend from my savings which is not much to begin with,” Sohel said with deep frustration.
The same sentiment was reiterated by other shop owners of the shopping complex.
Abdul Halim, a businessman in Savar New Market area said customers did not take risk to come for shopping due to the political violence.
Meanwhile, raw material trader Hafizur Rahman at Savar Bus Stand explained how difficult it was to bring materials from other parts of the country due to transport crisis.
“No truck owner is ready to operate their vehicles fearing arson attacks. Even if they agree, they ask for exorbitant fare. It is really not possible for small businessmen like us to afford the high transportation cost and then not be able to sell products due to lack of customers.”
Another vegetable trader Sujon of Genda Bazar said his goods laden truck was set on fire by miscreants while coming from Bogra recently. “I am devastated. I do not know what to do now.”
If the situation continues, he said, traders like him and others would be forced to quit the business.
General Secretary of Nabinagar Bohumukhi Hawkers’ Samity, Patwari Hossain, said: “There are about 500 shops along the Dhaka-Aricha highway that sell garments products, vegetables and fruits. About 25 shops have already been closed down on the face of loss and many others are awaiting to meet the same fate.”
He urged a quick end to the political violence to save the business community and the lives of thousands of people who are dependent on them.