Amusement parks lost Tk10,000 crore due to lockdowns, say owners

Owners of amusement parks in the country have called upon the government to allow them to reopen the parks immediately.

The sector has already lost around Tk10,000 crore due to the closure of the parks during the two phases of countrywide lockdowns put in force to curb Covid-19 infections, they said at a press briefing on Wednesday. 

"We incurred a big loss in the first lockdown imposed last year. Once the restrictions were lifted, we were expecting to recoup. But before we could get a little scope to do so, the second lockdown came. And now our business has been closed for over two months", Shahirar Kamal, president of the Bangladesh Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (Baapa) told the media.

"We have a big investment here and have debts. Due to the closure of parks, many of the owners are not being able to repay the loans. So, we urge the government to allow us to open the parks immediately", he said. 

There are around 300 amusement parks across the country, according to industry insiders.

Through Wednesday's press briefing, amusement park owners demanded the government to provide stimulus to the amusement park sector as well as offer a tax and VAT rebate for at least five years.

They also asked for providing the sector with bank loans at 1% interest rate. 

"In the meantime, other businesses like shopping malls and transport services have reopened. But the government has kept parks closed, although open places are safer," said the Baapa president.  

"What is more, that children are confined in their houses may affect their mental health," Kamal continued.

Baapa General Secretary Prabir Kumar Saha reassured that in their parks they have all kinds of arrangements to follow the health guidelines properly. "We will be more cautious when parks open," he said.