The Bishal Centre Shop Owners’ Association today brought counter-allegations against Enamul Hasan Nobin, owner of Nobin Fashion, claiming his shop was shut due to chaos from a sudden promotional offer, not for selling clothes at low prices.
Earlier, Nobin alleged a “mob” forced him to close the shop and that he left for China on March 24 after threats from a “business syndicate”.
At a press conference, association leaders said Nobin’s staff shut the Moghbazar outlet for security purposes after failing to control crowds triggered by a March 20 Facebook offer ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. The promotion included “buy two, get four free” panjabis, reimbursed rickshaw fares, and free engine oil for motorcyclists.
They said hundreds of customers, including around 200 bikers, gathered after Jummah prayers, causing severe congestion. Around 5:00pm, the shop cancelled the oil offer which angered bikers, prompting staff to pull down shutters.
Association leaders added that panic spread when customers tried entering through the back door, leading to a heated argument involving police.
They termed Nobin’s claims baseless, noting he had sold panjabis at Tk 300-2,400 for three years without objection. They denied locking the shop, saying it was reopened by Nobin’s manager himself on March 26.
The association said Nobin later apologised on Facebook and they want an amicable resolution.
Nobin could not be reached for comments.
However, Mohammad Jewel, a senior official at Nobin Fashion’s Farmgate branch, confirmed the offer but denied the large biker turnout.
“Only about 20 motorcycles arrived. Following this, the market’s traders, accompanied by police, forced us to close our shop around 4:00pm that day,” he said.