Khatunganj one of Bangladesh's largest wholesale markets, usually buzzes with trucks, workers, and traders from dawn to dusk. However, despite government offices reopening on Monday following the Eid holidays, Chittagong’s primary commercial hub remains unusually quiet.
A spot visit revealed that while some shops have opened, business is far from normal. Many establishments remain closed, with shutters half-open or padlocked. The usually congested streets—normally packed with transport vehicles and porters—are mostly empty.
Greater Khatunganj, encompassing Chaktai, Asadganj, and Khatunganj, houses over 5,000 wholesale shops and warehouses. On a normal day, the area sees transactions totaling Tk 2,000 to 2,500 crore. Currently, trading volume is a fraction of that. Open shops report few customers, and traders are spending much of their time exchanging Eid greetings. Although bank branches are open, the lack of active trading has kept banking transactions low.
Market insiders say the slowdown is due to a shortage of manpower, as many workers, transport staff, and business owners have not yet returned to the city from their hometowns. Veteran traders note that this post-Eid lull is a familiar pattern, particularly following the Qurbani (sacrifice) holidays.
"Our employees haven't returned from their villages, so we haven't been able to open the shop yet," said Md. Sekandar, owner of Messrs. Haji Mohammad Ishaq Saudagar in Hamidullah Mia Market. "They will arrive in a few days, and only then will we resume operations."
Leaders of the Khatunganj Trade and Industries Association expect the market to regain its usual momentum shortly. Publicity Secretary Faridul Alam noted that mostly traders with pending banking tasks are currently visiting the market.
Association General Secretary Aminur Rahman Mintu echoed this, adding: "Most business owners are still in their villages. A few shops are open, but the majority are closed, and the rest of this week will likely continue this way. We expect full operations to resume next week."
