In recent months, multiple fires have ravaged markets nationwide. These fires bear striking similarities – they usually broke out early in the morning and left thriving markets in ruins. The latest was a devastating fire at Krishi Market in Mohammadpur. Traders, grappling with huge losses, are trying to recover, but fear and anxiety loom large over their efforts.
On April 4, a huge fire struck Bangabazar in Dhaka, one of Bangladesh's largest wholesale clothing markets, affecting thousands of traders. Just a few days later, on April 15, another major fire broke out at Dhaka's New Super Market.
According to New Market Traders Association, goods worth Tk350 crore were lost in the flames, and a total of 226 shops were completely destroyed.
On Friday, this correspondent visited Bangabazar and New Supermarket to speak with the affected traders.
These traders, who suffered losses due to the recent fires, are now dealing with financial difficulties and cannot run their businesses as they used to. To make some money, they have set up temporary stalls at Bangabazar, but they are always worried about being evicted. Hearing about fires in other parts of the city adds to their anxiety, and they are living in uncertainty.
Farhad Khan, a businessman affected in the Bangabazar fire, used to run two shops named New Khan Fashion in the wooden market at Bangabazar, selling children’s shirts and vests. Both of his shops were completely destroyed in the fire, leaving Farhad uncertain about his future. After the market debris was cleared, there was a chance for limited-scale business, and Farhad set up shop there.
Farhad said: "I have been doing business at Bangabazar for 17 years. Unfortunately, both of my shops, which had goods worth Tk26 lakh, were destroyed in the fire. I am currently running my business by borrowing money. On the one hand, the sales are not even one-fourth of what it used to be. I am currently operating out of a temporary shelter, but it could close anytime, and I am not sure what other options I have left."
Another trader affected in the fire is Md Deen Islam of Sifat Garments used to sell women's clothes on the ground floor of the market, including one-piece and two-piece outfits. Since the fire, he hasb been trying to run a temporary business using the remaining clothes stored in his warehouse.
"After my shop burned down, I have tried selling clothes here. It has been tough. There are no customers, and we are unsure about what the city corporation will decide. We are in a temporary business situation, and I have been in this trade for years. This year, with the market fire, things have become uncertain. I am not doing well here, and finding a new place is not easy either."
Another affected trader named Borhan, who owned Janani Garments, said he used to sell women's T-shirts. His goods worth Tk10 lakh were ruined in the fire.
He said: “I used to work as an employee in a clothing shop before starting my own business five years ago. I had invested my own money, and now I am struggling to keep the business afloat. I do not know when things will improve. After the fire, I heard that affected shop owners would receive compensation, but I have not received anything yet. We heard about some financial aid from the Prime Minister's Office, but we have not received it yet.”
Another trader, Yusuf, said: "I heard that the market will be demolished this month, and we will receive compensation. Will they give us a shop again? These thoughts are causing me great distress."
New Supermarket faring better
Meanwhile, every shop damaged in the New Supermarket fire has been rebuilt. Although business is not booming here like before, it is much better compared to Bangabazar.
According to affected traders, the bridge that was meant to be used to go to the market was demolished after the fire, which has reduced the number of buyers to less than half. Besides, many traders have left the market after the fire.
Dipu Sheikh, owner of the shop Rezwan Club, said: "My goods worth Tk12-13 lakh were burnt in the fire. After getting permission, I worked anew in the shop. I opened the shop after Eid-ul-Azha. We had to raise fresh capital and buy goods worth Tk15-20 lakh. New Supermarket is no longer what it used to be. Everyone is doing business by taking out loans.”
Rifat Hossain is another trader on the second floor of the market. He said: "My shop had goods worth Tk30 lakh and Tk75,000 in cash. I found their ashes in the shop. I could not find anything else. I had been abroad for seven years. When I came home, I started the business with a lot of hope with the money I had earned while abroad. My business was my dream. The fire crushed my hopes and dreams in a matter of hours.“
“But I am trying to stand on my own feet. I am sitting in the shop again. It is not the same as it used to be… I have not received any support from the association other than Tk1,000,” he added.