Many shops and malls in the country were closed on Tuesday due to fear of robbery and vandalism during the political crisis that resulted in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation after 15 years at the helm of an iron-fisted dictatorship, generating massive losses for companies.
According to businessmen, many enterprises and stores have been looted, attacked, and vandalised across the country, including the capital, Dhaka, over the last two days as a result of a complete breakdown in law enforcement.
As a result, businesses did not open their stores while malls stayed closed. Many traders were also observed waiting in front of their businesses, ready to protect their merchandise.
Soumik Das, chief executive officer of Rang Bangladesh, said all 20 of their outlets across the country were closed on Tuesday due to the unsafe atmosphere.
“I have seen various news reports of people’s business places being looted. In this situation it is not possible to open our outlet,” he said.
The glass storefront of their outlet in Netrokona was broken, he said, adding that if the situation improves, the outlet would be opened on Wednesday.
Even if the shop is reopened, Das predicts that buyers would not return anytime soon.
When groups of criminals understood that the country’s law and order system had crumbled in the immediate wake of the fall of the Awami League-led administration, they began looting and causing havoc on a vast scale.
Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun advised all members of the police on Tuesday to be patient in carrying out their jobs.
“I am requesting all members of the police to perform their duties with patience and strong morale while maintaining their security,” he said in a video message sent by Police Headquarters.
AM Salimullah, sales manager of Kay Kraft, a retailer of fashion clothes, accessories, home textiles, handicrafts, and handloom-based products, stated that 14 of their 16 stores were closed on Tuesday.
He stated that they have only launched locations in Dhaka at Jamuna Future Park and Police Plaza Shopping Mall.
