Barishal kitchen markets abuzz, defying order
Defying official order, all kitchen markets in Barishal city are bustling with people as vendors have opened shop again, a month after they were shifted to open spaces due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to April 21 circular, issued by the district administration, 11 major kitchen markets, out of total 13, have to sit on certain playgrounds of the educational institutions from 9am to 2pm so that physical distance can be maintained.
The coronavirus prevention committee of the administration took the decision in consultation with Barishal City Corporation officials, ward councillors and different kitchen market committee leaders.
However, the directives, which were followed initially, have been ignored for the last one month, said residents.
While visiting, Chowmatha Bazar was found on its previous spot instead of the designated Government Hatem Ali College premises. Not only that, area of the kitchen market was extended up to the nearby four-lane regional highway, disrupting traffic.
Anowar Mridha, a grocer at the bazar, said the administration only issued the order. "We need necessary infrastructure -- such as sheds -- for our shops," he said.
Besides, the college playground gets waterlogged after a brief rain, said Selim Mondol, another trader.
Similarly, Mubarak Sheikh, a vegetable seller at Kawnia Bazar, said it is risky to run business under open sky during monsoon.
The city's Puran Bazar shops were relocated to Khaja Moinuddin Madrasa playground, Port Road Bazar to A Karim College and Kawnia Bazar to A Kader Chowdhury Primary School. During a recent visit, this correspondent found those at their previous places where social distancing remains a far cry.
The situation at other kitchen markets are similar, according to city dwellers.
All the kitchen markets have their individual management committees. Their leaders said traders are reluctant to go back to the designated places to save themselves from incurring loss. "Customers were unwilling to gather at those spots when they got muddy or submerged," said Shib Sankar Das, president of Natun Bazar Market committee.
Mizanur Rahman, a member of Port Road Bazar committee, echoed him.
Asked, Gazi Naimul Islam, councillor of ward-19, said, "What can we do if the traders do not shift their shops on their own? We cannot force them to do so."
The authorities imposed the order to save people's lives urging all to come forward during this pandemic, said SM Ajiar Rahman, deputy commissioner of Barishal. "We are already aware of the present situation," he said.
"On one hand, the traders are running their business at congested places. On the other, they are not maintaining timetable," he said. "We will conduct mobile courts, if necessary, after holding a meeting with the traders soon. We will discuss about their issues and try to come up with a solution," said the DC.
Kabir Hossain, market inspector of BCC, said they will help the district administration so that no one violates the order.
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