Despite a government directive to close all markets and shopping malls after 6pm, full compliance was not followed in several areas of the capital.
A visit to different locations showed that while some shopping malls remained closed after the stipulated time, many shops inside and nearby businesses continued operating.
On Saturday after 6pm, visits to Farmgate, Panthapath, New Market and Hatirpool areas revealed that although some shopping malls had shut their main gates, shops inside remained open.
Although customer presence was low, vendors stayed inside with lights and fans running.
At Farmview Super Market in Farmgate, security personnel were seen closing the gates after 6pm, yet people continued to enter and exit. While the number of customers was limited, shopkeepers kept their stores open.
A couple visiting the market told the reporter, “We did not know beforehand that everything would close after 6pm. We came from Savar for shopping, and since the shops inside are open, we are buying what we can.” Although customer turnout inside the supermarkets in Farmgate was low, footpath businesses were thriving.
However, vendors expressed a different concern.
A footpath trader, Titu, said, “Our business actually starts after 6pm. If we are forced to close, how will we earn? We will keep the shop open as long as possible, unless the owners’ association raises objections. Sales are already low.”
When asked why his shop remained open after 6pm, Green Super Market trader Saleh Rahman said, “We are about to close. Once the staff finish packing up, we will pull down the shutters. If the government enforces rules, there is nothing we can do. The loss will not be mine alone; everyone will face it.”
In the Panthapath area, crowds were seen gathering in front of Bashundhara Shopping Complex. The entrances were closed, and announcements were being made to manage the crowd. However, furniture shops across the road remained open, though with few customers inside.
At Sumona Goni Trade Centre in Karwan Bazar, commercial establishments were seen operating as usual, although nearby shops were dimming lights and preparing to close.
In the New Market area, Chandrima Super Market and Noorjahan Market were preparing to shut down, but customers were not entirely turned away. Vendors were trying to complete sales within a limited time.
Although Eastern Plaza shopping mall in Hatirpool was closed, nearby sanitary, marble and tiles shops remained open with lights on.
No significant presence of law enforcement agencies was observed in these areas. As a result, while some shopping malls closed on their own initiative, the directive was not fully implemented across most shops.
