6 markets in Sylhet closed for 10 days as earthquake precaution

Sylhet City Corporation closed six markets for 10 days in the city from this morning to avoid any untoward risk as several quakes hit the district on Saturday and yesterday.

Buyers were seen returning from the market gates as they did not know of the SCC decision which was taken yesterday afternoon.

However, shop owners and staff, who are already hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, expressed their disappointment and demanded reopening of these markets within seven days.

The closed markets are Madhuban Super Market, Mitali Mansion, Raza Mansion, City Super Market, Surma Market and Somobay Bhaban Market.

All of them were on a list of at-risk buildings.

Another shop called Gents Gallery in Zindabazar area of the city was also closed this morning for the same reason.

Five successive earthquakes jolted Sylhet on Saturday and one yesterday.

The first quake hit at 10:37 am, followed by tremors at 10:51 am, 11:30 am, 11:34 am and 2:00 pm on Saturday, officials said. Another tremor was felt early yesterday morning.

There were no reports of any casualty or damage to properties.