Tough times for seasonal traders in Barishal

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Generally, April is a busy month for Nantu Mia.

The 45-year-old tailor from Barishal not merely remains occupied with orders, he also offers to complete those before the deadline of Pahela Baishakh, the first evening of Bangla calendar.

Not only him, other traders also spend busy times during the period and eye good profit.

This year, however, the problem is different due to the countrywide shutdown and cancellation of the festival to avoid the spread of novel coronavirus, which is taking a toll on traders.

"We used to earn Tk 500-600 daily at the moment every year. Now, I don't possess enough money to buy essentials for my children," said Nantu Mia.

The retailers at the city's Katpatty, Chawkbazar and Padmabaty are well-known for their collections and discount rates on dresses before Pahela Baishakh, and hundreds flock to those prior to the festival.

Nowadays, the areas are wearing a deserted look. 

Achol Fashions, a good famous boutique in Katpatty, have been closed for 15 days and nights. Its owner Bilkis Ahamed Lily said she actually is worried how she'll pay rent.

Not just clothes investors, businesspersons of other conventional items are as well hit hard. A little entrepreneur, Rebekha Sultana, said she have been making jute bags and craft things with a mortgage. "Now, it's not easy for me to pay the installment," she said.

Talking to The Daily Star, Banalta Murshida, president of Barishal Women Business Forum, demanded postponement of installment collection simply by banking institutions for at least half a year to support hundreds of small and medium business (SME) traders.

According to Bangladesh Tiny and Cottage Sectors Corporation (BSCIC), around 2,000 people get excited about making SME goods in the city.

Mrinal Kanti Saha, owner of Swadeshi Bastralaya, said demand for dresses increases before Pahela Baishakh. "During this time period, we sell more items than that of Eid and Puja festivals," he stated.

But the dealers are facing hardships, as a result of present situation.

Tahira Siddika, a business owner in C&B region, said this past year she supplied over 50 dresses online. "But this season, virtually all the orders have been cancelled," she said.

Debosree Sarker, owner of online-based design platform Bangaliana, echoed her.

Saidur Rahman Rintu, director of the Barisal Chamber of Commerce and Sectors (BCCI), said, "They [small entrepreneurs] need immediate authorities support."

BCCI sources said 3,000-odd persons are engaged in clothing trading and there are over 500 tailors found in the city.

Jalis Mahmud, deputy standard manager of BSCIC in Barishal, said they offer training to SME investors. "Giving fiscal support to them is not our responsibility."

Contacted, Md Masudur Rahman, assistant standard manager of SME Base beneath the Ministry of Industries,said, "We want in to the crisis in this sector. We dispatched letters to all of our district offices. After we receive their responses, we will prepare a report to give to the ministry as soon as possible."

There are 107,072 SME traders in Barishal district, he added.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net

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