Tough times for seasonal traders in Barishal

Usually, April is a busy month for Nantu Mia.

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

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

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

"I used to earn Tk 500-600 daily at this time every year. Now, I don't have enough money to buy essentials for my family," said Nantu Mia.

The stores at the city's Katpatty, Chawkbazar and Padmabaty are famous for their collections and discounts on dresses ahead of Pahela Baishakh, and hundreds flock to those ahead of the festival.

These days, the areas are wearing a deserted look. 

Achol Fashions, a famous boutique in Katpatty, have been closed for 15 days. Its owner Bilkis Ahamed Lily said she is worried how she is going to pay rent.

Not just clothes traders, businesspersons of other traditional items are also hit hard. A small entrepreneur, Rebekha Sultana, said she had been making jute bags and craft items with a bank loan. "Now, it's not possible 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 by banks for at least six months to support hundreds of small and medium enterprise (SME) traders.

According to Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), around 2,000 people are involved in making SME products in the city.

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

But the traders are facing hardships, due to the present situation.

Tahira Siddika, an entrepreneur in C&B area, said last year she supplied over 50 dresses online. "But this year, almost 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 Industries (BCCI), said, "They [small entrepreneurs] need immediate government support."

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

Jalis Mahmud, deputy general manager of BSCIC in Barishal, said they provide training to SME traders. "Giving financial support to them is not our responsibility."

Contacted, Md Masudur Rahman, assistant general manager of SME Foundation under the Ministry of Industries,said, "We are looking into the crisis in this sector. We sent letters to all of our district offices. Once we receive their feedback, we will prepare a report to send to the ministry as early as possible."

There are 107,072 SME traders in Barishal district, he added.