KHULNA: Indefinite shutdown and blockades have put the shrimp industries of Khulna, popularly known as ‘white gold’, into rough water.

The exporters could not collect shrimp due to paucity of transports. This has caused serious problems for the exporters for shipment of shrimp according to the schedule of international buyers. The delay is causing losses to the tune of Tk 10 crore daily.

This was learnt from the concerned that frozen shrimp, mainly cultivated in Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat and Jessore districts, is the second largest export sector. But this potential export sector is facing huge crisis.

The ‘bagda’ and ‘galda’ shrimp were being exported to France, the Japan, France, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, UK, Russia, Taiwan, Ireland, Sweden, China, Mauritius, UAE, Portugal, Austria, Cyprus and Dominican republics that brought success in export business.

The shrimp traders told banglanews that due to the prevailing situation the markets are almost going out of their hands. On the other hand, the laborers of this sector are now jobless and leading a sub-human life.

Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association (BFFEA) told Banglanews that of the total 56 shrimp exporting houses, only 30 are functioning now. Still, the running houses are not doing sound business due to shut down and blockades.

BFFEA founder director Humayun Kabir told Banglanews on Monday that the blockade is causing a loss of Taka 10 crore of this industry daily. The exporters are failing to meet the schedule.

He told that the shrimp enclosures are not in a position to supply the shrimp in bulk to the export houses for want of transports under the prevailing situation arose from political unrest.

Humayun Kabir informed that the transport owners’ as well as the drivers are now scared of petrol bombs. He also demanded immediate withdrawal of blockade and shutdowns.

Some shrimp exporters, wishing anonymity, told banglanews that this industry is gradually becoming sick due to continuous blockade programs opining that other protest programs can be adopted instead of shutdown and blockades for the sake of country’s economy.

Md. Abdullah, a small shrimp trader of Rupsha told that the small businesses are facing losses. He informed that they are becoming prey to the vicious circle of bank loans and many are living spending their capital.

Rupsha shrimp Banik Samity general secretary Md. Abdul Mannan said that there are 400 members in the samity are facing serious financial problems due to on going blockades.

The shipment of shrimp is facing hurdles that causing losses to the one crore people of the Khulna zone. For the sake of business interest he demanded immediate withdrawal of shutdown and blockade programs.

BDST: 1906 HRS, FEB 09, 2015