The Mohammadpur Krishi Market, which was ravaged by a devastating fire, now finds itself in a precarious condition, prompting authorities to declare it abandoned and bar public entry.
On a visit to the site, it was found that B and C blocks of the market are entirely inaccessible to the public, with the entrances locked tight. Traders, however, have been granted access to retrieve their goods.
Inside the market, the situation is dire, as described by businessman Kamal: "The interior is in a dismal state. The fire damaged the walls, and they could collapse at any moment. We must remove whatever goods remain. Waiting for the market to decide our fate is not an option."
Another rice trader said: "I've heard that the City Corporation intends to construct a multi-storey building here, but we don’t have time. In the meantime, we need a plan of action. We have reached out to our councillor, who has promised to look into the matter."
The Mohammadpur Krishi Market, spanning approximately 5 acres, was built on land once occupied by a pond. Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) undertook its construction in 1997-98.
Salimullah Solu, president of the Krishi Market Association and councillor of DNCC Ward 29, said: "The condition (of the market) is very poor. There's currently no possibility of resuming business within the market's premises. Everything except for the fish and meat section has been reduced to ashes. While we await the market's restoration, I will discuss with the mayor the potential for traders to operate temporarily at or near the market."
Regarding the multi-storey building project, Solu said: "In the past three years, I've heard no updates about a 12-storey building. However, there are plans to construct a nine-storey building adjacent to the rice market. Unfortunately, the timeline for this project remains uncertain."
DNCC Chief Executive Officer Salim Reza said: "While this market wasn't inherently risky, it was vulnerable to fire hazards. Repeated requests for the implementation of fire safety measures went unheeded. Initially, there were no plans for construction at this location. However, given the devastation caused by the recent fire, building construction is now a topic of discussion."
Reza added that they are exploring temporary arrangements for traders and addressing the issue of compensation. The vicinity in front of the market is undergoing cleaning, with rehabilitation plans in the works following discussions with the mayor.
Meanwhile, Awami League Presidium member and former Dhaka-13 MP Jahangir Kabir Nanak, after conducting an inspection of the fire-damaged Krishi Market, urged the government's inquiry committee and traders to form a joint committee.
He said: "We must determine the cause of the fire and identify weaknesses to prevent future disasters. Dishonest practices will not be tolerated."
Nanak promised full cooperation with the fire's real victims and emphasized the need for rehabilitation.
"Shopkeepers should be allotted spaces, but we cannot leave people in limbo, hoping for the completion of a 6th, 9th, or 14th-floor market. We will meet the shopkeepers' demands, but nothing beyond that. Compensation and rehabilitation will be discussed upon the Prime Minister's return to the country," he added.
