When political or ceremonial activities disrupt the streets in Bangladesh, it is the everyday citizens, often referred to as “the mango people,” who bear the brunt. Street vendors, small traders, and informal workers are the most affected when traffic is halted, deliveries are delayed, and perishable goods spoil.
The economic repercussions of road blockades are not theoretical but rather tangible, as witnessed on August 6 when Dhaka came to a standstill due to celebratory events and street gatherings. While political supporters displayed flags and loudspeakers blared, the city’s main roads became congested. Delivery vehicles were stranded for hours, online orders were canceled, commuters were stuck, and many daily wage earners, who rely on meager daily incomes, returned home empty-handed. Interestingly, even in times of political stability, the practice of blocking roads for rallies and commemorations has the same negative impact on commuters, small businesses, and informal workers.
Bangladesh boasts over 7.8 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that provide employment to more than 20 million people and contribute approximately 27% to the country’s GDP. These livelihoods heavily rely on road transportation. A few hours of blocked roads result in disrupted deliveries, inventory losses, and decreased sales, particularly affecting perishable goods like fruits, fish, and dairy products.
In 2023, an Al Jazeera report highlighted that the ongoing blockades were causing the Bangladeshi economy to lose Tk 6,500 crore per day, as stated by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). This detrimental trend persists, with the most significant impact felt by the underprivileged rather than large corporations or political event organizers.
The plight deepens for small businesses due to inherent unfairness in the system. Typically, large corporations can adapt by utilizing warehouses and alternate routes, while affluent individuals can resort to online services or remain at home. However, the marginalized “mango people” lack such luxuries. For them, every moment of traffic congestion pushes them closer to poverty. The message becomes starkly clear when gridlock arises not only from political unrest but also from festivities and rallies: their time, work, and survival are expendable.
This trend necessitates a reversal. Implementing emergency movement protocols, enforcing stricter regulations on road closures, safeguarding informal livelihoods, and ensuring transport discipline are crucial steps. Essential and perishable goods should have unhindered passage during major events, closures, or celebrations, with rallies being time-limited and confined to specific areas away from economic hubs. Urban mobility plans must prevent any single event from paralyzing the capital’s transportation for extended periods.
While August 6 serves as a recent example, protests, blockades, and other street events continue to plague small traders and workers. These individuals gain little from symbolic gestures but suffer the most. To foster an inclusive and equitable Bangladesh, the “mango people” should have the freedom to move, trade, and earn a living, just like everyone else.