Dhaka, August 19— All shops in Bashundhara City Complex remained closed today as traders gathered outside the complex to protest against high rents and other grievances. The protest, which began early in the morning, was organized to press for a 12-point demand from the management of the complex.

The traders, who previously operated on the 5th and 6th floors of Bashundhara, have now been relocated to the basement level. According to the protesting businessmen, this move has significantly increased their rental costs. Shops that previously had rent ranging from Tk 50,000 to Tk 60,000 per month are now charged Tk 3-4 lakh in the basement. 

This steep increase in rent has led to higher prices for mobile phones and accessories, resulting in a decline in customer traffic, the traders claim. They argue that the increased costs are unsustainable and are pushing many businesses to the brink of closure.

The traders are demanding a revision of the rent structure and other concessions to make it feasible for them to continue operating within the market. The protest has caused significant disruption in the area, with all shops in the complex remaining shut throughout the day.