Amusement industry wants to reopen
The amusement industry yesterday demanded that the government immediately allow them to reopen their establishments "like other businesses", reasoning it would not be possible to survive against continued financial losses.
The establishments were shut for four months last year and this year the same was done since early April amidst the pandemic's second wave.
In a statement the Bangladesh Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (Baapa) also demanded incentive packages such as working capital at 1 per cent interest.
It sought exemptions of VAT, supplementary duty and other taxes, including on imports, for the next five years to ensure tickets remain cheap.
Baapa President Shahriar Kamal said last year amusement parks were allowed to open much later compared to that for other businesses, for which the sector suffered greatly.
He said they had decided to run at less than 50 per cent capacity as per a decision of Bangladesh Tourism Board and various international organisations and maintain social distancing, install thermal scanners at entrances and use hand sanitisers.
"We have ensured adequate hand washing facilities, regular food courts and sanitation of rides as well as all measures to prevent coronavirus infection in accordance with the health rules of the Department of Health," he said.
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