The decision taken by most of the shop owners' associations not to keep the shops open in various cities and towns of the country, including the capital, in the wake of the coronavirus, is positive in many ways.
The Ministry of Commerce gave conditional permission to open shopping malls from Sunday. However, we see that the owners' associations of all the traditional markets in Dhaka, including New Market, Gausia, Mouchak, Mirpur and Bangabazar, have informed that they do not want to open for the time being.
The same message came from the divisional cities of the country including Chattogram. They do not want to open the store until at least May 16.
According to reports, if the general closure is extended further, the closing period of shops may also pass the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. We know that the government allowed the opening of shops on a limited scale only at the request and advice of the shop owners' associations. But considering the conditions and security, they have apparently backed down.
During a time when producers are unemployed for
almost two months, when imports are almost zero,
where will the salable products come from?
We think this position will help maintain social distancing for some time more. We welcome this responsibility of the shopkeepers. However, we also have to accept the fact that it is doubtful whether customers will visit the shops if they are kept open.
Again, where most of the sales workers of shopping malls have already left Dhaka, there is no less trouble in bringing them back to work. And if there are not enough sales, where will their wages or the cost of keeping the shop open come from? One might argue that with the help of good products you can do wonders.
However, during a time when producers are unemployed for almost two months, when imports are almost zero, where will the salable products come from?
We welcome the caution and goodwill of the shop owners. At the same time we are concerned about the lives and livelihoods of the unemployed employees of the sector. In this case, the government as well as the shop owners' associations can come forward with relief and assistance.
Life is more important than livelihood. It is the responsibility of all parties to ensure that no one's life is in danger due to lack of livelihood.
