Mini Bangladesh wears a deserted look as most tourists have either found accommodation elsewhere or have cut their trips short
“The losses since Aug 19, when the tragedy occurred, have been of around several crores. After the Aug 19 fire, business has nosedived,” said Saha.
Hyder Ali Khan, general secretary of the Free School Street Traders’ Association, said the downturn had come just as businesses were beginning to recover from the prolonged disruption caused by the pandemic and political turmoil in Bangladesh. The other businesses in this pocket, like restaurants, transport, forex dealers and retailers, also depend on tourists and are losing business,” said Khan. If the issue is not resolved, thousands of people will lose their livelihoods for good,” said the owner of a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street that was shut after the fire. Monotosh Kumar Saha, president of the Free School Street Traders’ Association and operator of Shohagh Paribahan bus services between Bengal and Bangladesh, said the consequences extended to thousands of families dependent on the local economy.
We were recovering from the impact of the political situation in Bangladesh when the fire happened and the hotels and lodges were shut down, dealing a big blow to business. Since most hotels and lodges are shut, tourists are going to different areas. “We have been approaching the KMC and the fire department regularly, but there is a status quo. There is no attempt to end the impasse. We have already bled enough financially. “The economy of the area is important as it supports thousands of families.