Every year during Ramadan, thousands of people throng the area in front of Chawkbazar Shahi Mosque to purchase Iftar items that include fancy names like ‘Boro Baper Polay Khay’, kebabs, different types of biryani and Shahi Jilapi.
Coronavirus and the subsequent shutdown came as a shock to the businesses and and customers alike. The scene was similar across all Iftar markets as the government tries to ensure social distancing.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said no hawker or cart will be allowed to sell food or commodity in the market area or footpaths.
For Chawkbazar resident Arifur Rahman, it is a heavy blow. He has been setting up makeshift shops at Chakwbazar with Iftar items for the last 30 years.
Iftar item vendor at Bangshal Abul Hasem said he set a makeshift shop besides road of Najirabazar square this afternoon but police vandalised it.
“If the government allows us to sale Iftar items before evening, then we can earn some money,” he said.
Hasem said police vandalised shops after 2pm. But iftar time is 6:30pm. He requested extending the time to keep shops open until 6pm.
Old Dhaka resident Habibur Rahman said he went to buy Iftar but could not find any shop open.
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“I bought fruits at high prices. A kg apple cost Tk150 while it was Tk120 two days ago. The price of dates has also increased. But what can we do? We have to eat to survive,” he said.