Traders split over keeping shops, malls open during polls

Two shop owner groups representing markets and shopping malls across the country are divided over whether businesses should remain open or close during the national election on February 12.

The Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity, a government-licensed association of shop owners, has said it did not announce any closure of shops or shopping malls for the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

The platform, registered with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC), clarified its position yesterday in a press statement following an announcement by another platform, the Bangladesh Shop Business Owners’ Association, about shop closures during the polls.

The Dokan Malik Samity, operating since 1996, said it had issued no directive to close shops nationwide on February 11 and 12.

It added that individual market and bazaar associations may decide independently whether to keep businesses open or closed on those days.

The platform also called for a verification of whether those “spreading misinformation” have a valid licence from the Ministry of Commerce and registration with the RJSC.

They urged people not to be misled.

Earlier in the day, the Shop Business Owners’ Association, launched in 2022, said it has decided to keep shops, commercial establishments and malls across Bangladesh closed for two days, including on February 12.

In a press statement, the association said the decision was taken to ensure broader public participation in the polls and the referendum.

The government had earlier declared a general holiday on February 11, the day preceding the election, while election day itself, February 12, is already observed as a general holiday.

In addition, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has declared a general holiday on Tuesday, February 10, for workers and employees in various industrial zones.

As a result, industrial workers will enjoy three consecutive holidays from February 10 to 12.