Dhaka Mobile Markets Reopen as Traders Defy Shutdown Call
All mobile markets in Dhaka, including Bashundhara City and Motaleb Plaza, have reopened following the earlier reopening of Jamuna Future Park. However, reports indicate that Riazuddin Market and Tamakund Market in Chattogram—widely known for illegal and cloned handset trading—remain closed.
From the morning of Wednesday, January 7, shops belonging to general traders in computer, electronics, and mobile phone markets across Dhaka and most parts of the country were seen reopening.
Defying the strike called by the Mobile Business Community, both brand outlets and general mobile phone retailers at Bashundhara City Shopping Complex began opening their shops around 10:00 am. In response to threats from a particular group, the market authority has strengthened security on the two floors where mobile phones are sold. Additional police personnel were also deployed in front of the complex.
Sources said that following the weekly holiday, mobile markets at Motaleb Plaza reopened normally on Wednesday morning, with buying and selling continuing as usual. Traders noted that many shops had already opened on Monday. Legal mobile phone traders at Eastern Plaza and Multiplan Center also resumed operations the same day.
In the wake of tensions following the attack on the BTRC building, additional police and security personnel have been deployed at markets to prevent any untoward incidents. Law enforcement agencies stated that traders who keep their shops open are being given full security and that any instigators or attackers will be arrested immediately. Plainclothes intelligence surveillance has also been intensified inside and outside the markets.
On-the-ground observations showed a steady increase in trader activity on the mobile phone floors of Bashundhara City from early morning. Large showrooms began lifting their shutters one by one, openly rejecting the shutdown directive issued by a so-called “traders’ association” allegedly formed by illegal importers. Traders said they are not involved in selling stolen or illegal phones and therefore have no fear of the government’s NEIR system.
One showroom owner at Bashundhara City said,
“We sell phones legally, paying VAT and taxes and with BTRC approval. We cannot shut down our livelihoods to protect the personal interests of a handful of illegal importers and luggage-party traders.”
Traders also made it clear that they respect the law and welcome the ongoing technological reforms.
It is worth noting that amid the shutdown situation, traders at Jamuna Future Park were the first among major markets to reopen their shops on January 1.
DBTech/GR/PA/OR
