Reza Mahmud :
The restaurant industry has been widely affected, with owners asserting that a significant portion of the country’s economy is being compromised due to recent crackdowns following the fatal fire incident on February 29 on Bailey Road.
Leaders of the Restaurant Owners’ Association have alleged that various government agencies are indiscriminately targeting restaurants, resulting in the closure of approximately 45 to 50 establishments and the arrest of around 1100 individuals. This crackdown has paralysed business operations, adversely impacting numerous people, including food delivery service workers.
Additionally, substantial fines have been imposed on restaurant owners during these enforcement actions. Owners lament that their businesses have been devastated, consequently affecting the broader economy and resulting in significant financial losses.
They emphasise that the responsibility for fire incidents leading to loss of life cannot be solely attributed to businessmen.
According to restaurant association leaders, culpability extends to building owners, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartri Pakkha (RAJUK), city corporations, fire services, and other relevant agencies for structural deficiencies and incidents. They advocate for the establishment of a single task force to streamline business operations under one organised framework.
Officials, including Md. Mizanur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer (Additional Secretary) of Dhaka South City Corporation, acknowledge these concerns.
He asserts that no single entity bears sole responsibility for such matters, acknowledging the possibility of faults in various areas that prompt criticism. Rahman claims that enforcement drives are routinely conducted throughout the year.
Bangladesh boasts approximately 4.81 lakh restaurants, with a significant proportion being small-scale enterprises. This sector plays a vital role in job creation, providing employment for nearly 30 lakh people, and supporting the livelihoods of approximately two crore individuals.
When asked why numerous restaurants operate in residential areas, leaders of the restaurant owners association responded by highlighting the absence of clear guidelines regarding the permissible locations for restaurant businesses.
They emphasised that without proper regulations stipulating where restaurants can or cannot operate, establishments have been established in residential areas without obstruction.
