Youths were seen flocking around different makeshift and temporary flower stalls in Shahbagh intersection on the eve of Pahela Baishakh as quota reformation movement in the area somewhat thwarted the preparation to welcome the Bengali New Year.
The number of flower lovers bloomed in the 11th hour on Friday as final preparation to welcome the Bengali year 1425 fastened up.
Robiul Islam, a small flower trader at the Bottala beside Shahbagh intersection said on Friday that for last two days he has incurred loss in his flower business ahead of Pahela Baishakh while the scenario was different in the previous years.
However, on Friday evening sales took an upward trend. Sale is expected rise further on Saturday on Pahela Baishakh, he added.
Shamim Hossain, another trader in the same locality, echoes the same words.
“All the 65 flower sellers here are facing low transition this year as the area experienced huge student movement recently”.
Shihab Sharier, who went to buy flowers with her3 year old daughter, said he went to buy flowers very late because of the quota reformation movement for the past two days.
Billal Hossain, secretary of Shahbagh flower sellers association, said for last few days police vehicles, parked in front of the market and the students gathering in the Shahbagh intersection caused harm to their business.
“But, we are hopeful that on the day of Pahela Baishakh we could overcome the damage” said Abul Kalam president of the association.