Political unrests and frequent hartals have created adverse impact on trade activities in the industrial city of Sylhet as the sale of essential commodities both in the wholesale market and retail shops is absolutely disappointing. Meanwhile, inadequate supply has already spiraled the prices of rice, vegetables, fish and other essentials.All shops of Modhubon Market, Zindabazar and 15 shopping centres of Sylhet city were found under lock and key during the hartal period as the nation passed the 3rd day of a 60-hour hartal called by the opposition BNP-led 18-party alliance. Sylhet Bandar Bazaar, one of the biggest wholesale markets of essential commodities, was deserted on wednessday (Nov 6) with hardly any trade taking place.’Political instability and frequent strikes have affected our business since the beginning of the year,’ said Abdul Gaffar Biswas, president of Modhubon Market Businessmen Welfare Association.Moreover, panic created by BNP-Jamaat-Shibir men across the country over the past few days has kept people from going out to shops and malls, he added. Customer turnout at the markets has slowed due to political unrest over the past week, He further said.Managing Director of shopping mall ‘Al Hamra Shoping City’ said, ‘We (businessmen) are the main victims of violent politics. If the strikes are frequent, we will be compelled to increase the prices of goods to make up for our losses.’Although shops at the mall are not making much profit due to the ongoing hartals and anarchy, shopkeepers have to pay rent and bills for their shops every month, so they would ultimately increase the price of their products, said Jamal of Royl Fashion of Mileniom in the city.Anwar Mia, who runs a small fruit shop of Sylhet Bandar Bazaar said small businesses bear the brunt of hartals. He was struggling to earn his livelihood as sales had declined significantly due to the ongoing hartal, he claimed. ‘It is very difficult to provide for my family as continuous shutdowns keep adding to my suffering immeasurably,’ he
further said.Business leaders in Sylhet view that the frequent call of strikes is tarnishing the country’s image and as a result, foreign investors will
turn away from Bangladesh.The business leaders also urged the political parties to solve the disputes amicably for the sake of the country’s economy.
Shipar Ahmed, president of HAAB, Sylhet said at the end of the day, the common people suffer the most. He called upon politicians to be more sensible and honest about their political activities, to ensure both economic development and the peace and stability in the country.Hartals have also added fuel to the flame of the common people due to the steep increase of prices of essentials in kitchen markets because the hartal is hampering transportation of fish and vegetables from far flung areas to city markets, Shipar further said.Layes Uddin, a director of Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), said even though calling a strike is a democratic right of any political party; they should refrain from taking steps that are detrimental to business. It is their responsibility to ensure smooth operations of businesses, he added.Faruk Ahmed Misbah, president of SCCI, said that the anxiety has gripped exporters as timely export of goods becomes uncertain due to frequent strikes. ‘Hundreds of traders of Sylhet city will be losing their capital investment if political unrests continue to happen in the days ahead,’ he stressed. He urged the government and the political parties should come forward to bring the situation under control and help trade and commerce run smoothly.S.A Shofiee, Sylhet :
