Traders in all the markets in the New Market area, which have been closed after the clashes with Dhaka College students, are hoping to reopen for business as soon as possible even though they are yet to settle the dispute.
Talking to reporters on Tuesday, Bangladesh Shop Owners Association President Md Helal Uddin said the traders hoped to reach an agreement and resolve the matter with the warring students by Tuesday night.
“We hope the clashes and disputes will end tonight. The law enforcement agencies are working. We are trying to bring back normalcy by tonight and hope the traders will reopen later tonight,” he told reporters.
At least 20 markets in the New Market area closed after the violent clashes, he said. “The traders are eager to reopen because Eid shopping is fully on and they want to avoid losses. Such an incident ahead of the Eid holidays is very unfortunate.”
Dozens of people, including journalists, students and traders, were injured on Tuesday as students of Dhaka College engaged in a series of clashes with shop owners and workers of New Market in New Market and adjoining areas.
The whole area turned into a battleground after fighting erupted between them at around 10am as a sequel to clashes occurring on Monday midnight.
City commuters endured untold sufferings due to severe traffic snarls after the clashes led to the closure of Mirpur Road and surrounding streets.
Vehicular movement in different parts of the city came to a standstill for hours as a result.
