Kitchen markets in the capital remained mostly quiet on Thursday as voters went to polling centres, leaving many stalls closed and traders with few customers.

Only a small number of people kept their businesses open, while most retail shops and vendor stalls at major markets remained closed.

Moreover, customer turnout was low throughout the day, and trading activity stayed slow.

After visiting Karwan Bazar, one of the largest wholesale kitchen market in the capital, it was seen to be devoid of any activity, leaving stalls largely unattended and traders idle.

Most retail shops and vendor stalls at the Karwan Bazar kitchen market remained closed throughout the day, while the main market building was also closed.

Only a handful of vendors kept their shops open, resulting in thin customer turnout and subdued trading activity.

Very few vendors were seen in the market, and customer presence was minimal.

Iqbal Hossain, a vegetable vendor, said that the supply chain had remained normal despite the low footfall.

‘There is no shortage of goods so far, but customers are very few,’ he told New Age, adding that prices of vegetables remained largely stable due to the limited turnout.

Traders at the wholesale section of Karwan Bazar also reported sluggish activity.

The wholesale market remained quiet on Thursday, with sellers of vegetables and spices seen sitting idly, many of them following election updates on their smartphones.

Shahidul Islam, a wholesale trader, said that supply was adequate and stock levels were sufficient.

‘The supply chain is normal, and we have enough stock. Hopefully, if the political situation stabilises, there will not be any issues,’ he said.

There were no reports of security concerns in and around the market area.

They also said that the subdued activity was partly due to the four-day holiday surrounding the election, as many city dwellers left Dhaka to cast their votes in their home districts.

Meanwhile, prices of most vegetables remained stable compared with last week, although the price of green chillies rose to Tk 200 per kilogram on Thursday from Tk 120 a week earlier.

The price of winter vegetables like cauliflowers, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, and beans were more stable, than the previous week.

Iqbal Hossain said the general price level remained steady due to low demand.

Voting in the 13th national election and referendum began at 7:30am on Thursday and continued until 4:30pm without disruption.

Traders expressed hope that if the overall situation remains normal, the market could witness a gradual return of customers from next week.