The recession, which has been an ongoing problem in the United States for the last two years, has yet to end. Along the way, this menace has permeated the Bangladeshi community. It has spread beyond the boundaries of Wall Street and is digging into the small business enterprises of the Bangladeshi community.

Over 100 business organizations located in several states, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Florida, George, California, Michigan, and Massachusetts, were either sold or changed owners. Those who still cling to their businesses must face a wide variety of problems every day. The extent of the losses incurred by owners of groceries and restaurants increases each day. This discouraging information was provided by the Bangladeshi businessmen themselves.

Due to the economic crisis, leaders of trade associations have become silent. People want to know if there is an end in sight. Though economic analysts backed President Obama's economic recovery plan, some merchants claim that it has little impact on the reality of the situation.

Every year, there are Bangladeshis who return to their home country, leading to a temporary drop in customers for groceries and restaurants, but it is a problem with which community businessmen are familiar. The current situation, however, is totally unknown to them. Many report they don't even get 20 customers a day; the crowds of customers from the past are seldom visible these days. When customers appear, they share a cup of tea among friends. Those who come for dinner eat with minimal expense. This has been the prevailing situation for the last three months.

The same holds true for grocery stores. Customers are purchasing fewer commodities, consequently a number of groceries have been sold or closed. Many groceries have tried to sell their businesses, but have been unable to find buyers. Some businessmen have let employees go in order to adjust for the recession. Others have persevered by reducing the number of items in their grocery stores.

Since Jackson Heights-based groceries and restaurants are frequented by tri-state customers, some have been able to maintain stability. However, businessmen have expressed concern about a lack of customers in Jackson Heights as well.

Abul Hasan Mohiuddin, the secretary of the Bangladesh Business Association of Church-MacDonald Avenue in Brooklyn and owner of a local grocery store, claims his business has not been affected: "I try to minimize the harm of the recession by selling more commodities. I reduced the prices on all the daily necessities. Business had been great for the last 15 to 16 years; I do not aim to profit at this time. I have made unimaginable price reductions to relieve the customers to some extent." He added that the recession has hurt taxi drivers and construction business as well – many people in these fields have been finding themselves out of work.

Mr. Manna, the former president of the Jackson Heights Business Association, spoke to the Thikana. "Business generally remains slow during January and February. This year has been no exception. Since we deal with food items, our businesses were not as seriously affected by the recession as some others. However, the overall situation has had a negative impact on our business."

Shamim Ashan, an insurance businessman said, "Since most of our community is self-employed, they do not earn money if people in other communities do not have any. Its impact affects our business." Communities in Florida, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Michigan, Texas, Washington D.C., New Jersey, Boston and Connecticut have experienced similar problems.