Hotels and restaurants in Chattogram still closed, workers facing hardships

Even after the Eid holiday, hotels and restaurants in the port city of Chattogram remain closed, with most still shut on the seventh day of Eid. As a result, workers returning to the city after the holiday are struggling to find food, especially hospital patients and their relatives who are facing difficulties.

Hotel and restaurant officials said that the establishments are closed due to employees being on leave, but they hope to reopen soon.

A visit to areas like Chittagong Medical College (CMC) Hospital, Katalganj, Kazir Dewri, Lalkhan Bazar, GEC More, Two Number Gate, Prabartak Moor, Panchlaish Mor, Andarkilla, and New Market revealed that most hotels and restaurants remain closed. While a few street vendors were open, bakeries were shut, leaving them without food options. As a result, many people are struggling to find breakfast and lunch.

Mohammad Nur Kabir, who came to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for treatment, said, "No hotels are open. I can't even feed the patient. I'm unable to eat as well. My home is far away, so there's no way to bring food from there."

Another person, Mohammad Hasan, said, "There were a few hotels in front of the medical college, but they are still closed even on the seventh day of Eid. This is causing us trouble. Moreover, we have to buy food at higher prices and are stuck with food we don’t like. I can’t even buy rice for the patient. How long can someone survive on just bread and bananas?"

Syed Abdul Hannan, Senior Vice President of the Chittagong Metropolitan Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association, said, "Employees receive tips and bonuses during the month of Ramadan, which is why they spend more time at home during the Eid holidays. We give them leave for refreshments according to government regulations, but they return to work later. We hope they will join work soon."