Small traders demand opening of businesses for 2nd day in Dhaka’s New Market area

Business owners and employees continued their demonstration demanding government let their businesses run during the "lockdown" for the second consecutive day today.

A few hundred traders gathered in the New Market area in Dhaka this morning to protest the closure of markets.

They staged a sit-in and shouted slogans, saying they want to open shops maintaining health rules.

One of the protesters -- Pinky, an entrepreneur -- said that she earns livelihood by taking orders from boutique shops in New Market area.

"How will I survive if shops where I supply remain closed for so many days?" -- a frustrated Pinky said.

The protesters demanded that like industries, banks and book fair, the government must let them run their businesses.