The City agencies have trained their eyes on Jackson Heights and the Bangladeshi business community finds itself besieged by different kinds of violations, including office space violations, building violations and parking infractions. During a recent operation, more than 20 Bangladeshi and Indian business establishments located in two large buildings of Jackson Heights were closed down due to violations.

On March 5 and 6, the New York City Department of Buildings issued notice against two large buildings, located at 37-11, 74th street and 37-13, 74th Streets, for violation of building codes. The entrance to the two buildings was sealed closed. It was alleged that the buildings didn’t have emergency exits other than the main entrance.

Since admission to these two buildings was prohibited, the businesses of the Bangladeshi establishments were forced to remain shut. On Sunday, Bangla Patrika observed that most of the stores and business institutions of these two holding numbers remained closed. Store owners and employees who stood in the street said they don’t know when they would get the permission to enter the buildings and reopen their businesses.

Many people blame Mr. Lee, the owner of the buildings, for the violations and say that he is not giving any information to the tenants, not even about the future of the premises. World Wide Travels, Rupali Exchange, Bright Driving School, M.T.S., Lipi Fashion Inc., and many other establishments owned by Bangladeshis and several shops that sell saris, clothes, ornaments, videos and CDs owned by Indians are located in these two buildings.

The Department of Consumer Affairs has swept Jackson Heights more than once since last year and issued many summons. Several days ago the City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene shut down the Alo Restaurant located at 74th Street citing violations of regulations.