Akanda Muhammad Jahid

Shoppers thronged grocery stores, super shops and kitchen markets across Dhaka yesterday following the announcement of a fresh nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19.

With the rate of coronavirus infections at an all-time high, the government recently declared a seven-day lockdown beginning on Monday.

This led to growing concerns among the masses of a further price hike for daily essentials.

As such, people like Shariful Islam rushed to the nearest shopping mall within hours of the announcement to stock up on daily essentials.

“I came here [to the mall] soon after hearing the news broke so that I can make the necessary purchases before the price of goods goes up due to the upcoming lockdown,” said Islam, a private job holder.

Islam went on to say that since the cost of essential commodities rises ahead of Ramadan, it would not be possible for him to bear the added burden if prices go even higher due to the lockdown.

Another shopper told this correspondent that he visits his local retail outlet every Saturday.

“But considering the upcoming lockdown, I bought more of each item so that I can use them in case of emergency even in Ramadan,” he said.

Besides, considering the current prices trend, there is no guarantee that it will not increase further in the future, he added.

During a visit to Karwan Bazar, one the biggest commodity markets in Dhaka, it was seen that most customers were buying goods in larger quantities than needed.

Sk Enamul Haq

People rushed to the adjacent kitchen markets yesterday in large numbers fearing a further rise in commodity prices after the announcement of a seven-day lockdown from Monday. The photo was taken yesterday from the city’s Karwan Bazar.