Goods estimated to be worth Tk288.35 crore were burnt to ashes in a devastating fire earlier this month at Bangabazar

The fire-affected treaders of Bangabazar are running their businesses in makeshift stalls under the scorching sun in an effort to turn around before the Eid-ul-Fitr when the clothing businesses usually see huge sales. In the meantime, the prime minister's gift of Tk9 crore came as a relief to the traders.

While visiting the Bangabazar on Tuesday afternoon, it was seen that the businessmen were selling products under the open sky when the temperature was high amid a severe heatwave.

Most of the visitors are retail buyers since many traders could not stock another lot for wholesale. They are conducting business from 8am to 11pm.

The authorities have arranged electricity connections to facilitate business operations during the night. But the quantity of goods required for a usual sale is not enough. Since the number of buyers is not significant, the traders are continuing operations even at night to increase sales.

Meanwhile, the news of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's financial assistance of Tk25,400 per person via mobile banking spread across Bangabazar from 4pm on Tuesday. 

According to the Prime Minister's Office, Sheikh Hasina has allocated Tk9 crore for the affected traders. On Tuesday, she handed over a cheque of Tk45 lakh to the leaders of the Bangabazar Shop Owners Association during an event at the PMO in the afternoon. 

The Dhaka Tribune reporter spoke with six traders who acknowledged receiving the financial aid. Others who did not get money will receive it on Wednesday, said the association leaders.

Al Madina shop owner Nazrul Islam said he has not received the money in his bKash account yet, but two out of his three employees got it. “It will be very convenient to get the money before Eid,” he said.

Raihan Kabir, the owner of Tisha Garments, hoped he will get the aid on Wednesday.

Owner of Top News and Finance Secretary of the association Lokman Khan said: “I have not received the money yet. But I heard that the money has been sent through bKash.” 

Thanking the prime minister, he said: “The businessmen wish to spend the Eid well. After Eid, we will make arrangements for permanent seating.”

Association General Secretary Zahirul Islam said: “The prime minister handed over a cheque of Tk45 lakh to us in the afternoon [on Tuesday]. The remaining amount of Tk85.5 lakh will be sent in phases within the next three days from tomorrow (Wednesday).” 

He added that those not having a bKash account should open it as soon as possible.

“This is not a grant; it has been given as an Eid gift to the affected traders. After Eid, the prime minister will send donations to the affected traders,” Zahidul said.

“We have given a list of 3,845 traders and employees including 2,961 shop owners.”

Apart from the PM's gift of Tk9 crore, there is also an allocation from the district administration for the employees.

Zahidul said: “Around Tk6 crore has already been deposited in the account opened for the affected traders with the IFIC Bank. This amount will be handed over to the affected traders after Eid.”

On April 4, a massive fire broke out at the Bangabazar Market in Dhaka. The fire burned down several thousand shops. A total of six adjacent markets were also burnt. These are Gulistan Market, Annex Tower, Mohanagar shopping complex, Adarsha Market, Banga Islami Market and Barisal Plaza.

According to the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), a total of 3,845 traders were affected by the fire. The total amount of goods, estimated at approximately Tk288.350 crore, burnt to ashes. 

Besides, approximately Tk14.70 crore was lost considering the structural aspects.