Few shops, fewer customers

Shopkeepers had opened their shops with high hopes, expecting some customers. But most shops had to wait for the entire day to make their first sale. 

While some shops were visited by a handful of customers, most others remained empty. 

A shopkeeper waiting for customers in his jewellery and accessories store in Navana Baily Star shopping complex in Baily Road of the capital. Customers did not arrive in fear of coronavirus. Photo: Mumit M.

The shops in Old Dhaka's Islampur, Chawkbazar and Keraniganj, and the ones in Ayesha Market at Jatrabari, Dhanmondi's Rapa Plaza, New Super Market and Elephant road reopened on May 10, following the government's nod to resume trade amid the shutdown. 

A man without a mask, gloves and PPE making his way through two others in a narrow lane of a market in Chawkbazar. Even though the government has urged everyone to maintain strict precaution while in public, many people do not follow the orders. Photo: Saikat Bhadra

Earlier on May 4, the government had announced that businesspeople could keep markets and shops open for six hours from 10am to 4pm every day, considering the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr and in a bid to keep the economy operating.  

It also asked businesspeople and consumers to maintain health guidelines during the general holidays, which has been extended till May 30. 

Shopkeepers wearing PPE, masks and gloves waiting for customers in a shop near Gausia in the capital. They have marked the floor and taken other precautions to keep customers safe during shopping. Photo: Saikat Bhadra

Soon after the government's decision, authorities of Bashundhara City Shopping Complex, Jamuna Future Park, New Market, Mouchak Market and Anarkoli Market had declared that they will not open their shutters. 

In addition, many malls in Rajshahi, Sylhet, Chandpur, Feni, Chattogram and Dhaka have also decided to keep their businesses closed this season to contain the spread of coronavirus. 

The government has opted for a relaxed lockdown, allowing people to venture out more and worry less about the risk of getting infected. 

A shopkeeper waiting for customers in his jewellery and accessories store in Navana Baily Star shopping complex in Baily Road of the capital. Customers did not arrive in fear of coronavirus. Photo: Mumit M.

This decision has contributed to hundreds of fresh cases in the past few days and the sudden jump in death toll as some people are gathering at different shops and malls for their Eid shopping. 

However, most have chosen to stay at home and not gather at the malls amid the outbreak.