Two months have passed since the fire, but the traders of Mohammadpur's Krishi market are still under the open sky. The city corporation had announced the start of reconstruction work in October, but everything has stalled for unknown reasons.
Two-thirds of the shops were gutted in a late-night fire at the traditional Krishi market in Mohammadpur of the capital on September 13. Although traders claimed more, according to the data of Dhaka North City Corporation itself, the number of damaged shops is 217. Counting one trader per shop, 217 traders are now sitting on the road. And if the number of employees of the shop is calculated, the number of victimized traders will increase several times, the traders said.
It can be seen that certain areas of the market have been vacated. The movement has been stopped by putting up poles for some distance around. The reconstructed watch tower is being painted. Next to that tower, the foundation stone slab construction is going on. And the aggrieved businessmen have set up shop on the checkpoint. It's like the saying, " In the morning is a king, you are a begger in the evening." The shopkeepers, who once had a grand arrangement, now decorate the pavement hawkers.
After the terrible fire, DNCC Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam also announced the start of reconstruction work on October 30. The traders were hopeful. Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) along with the Ministry of Relief announced cash assistance including construction materials. Construction work has not started even after the announced time. According to them, the construction of the market is blocked by an invisible obstacle.
Several affected traders told Barta24.com on condition of anonymity that the market was supposed to start working on October 30. The time has been changed again with several steps. The market is supposed to be done just like the tin market was before. Businessmen are confused about this. Some businessmen want multi-storied buildings to be built while some want it to remain as before. Several groups have been created with the construction of new facilities. Due to the different needs of these groups, the work is hampered in many ways at the beginning.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Chief Executive Officer Md Salim Reza told Barta24.com that we will start the work soon. Arrangements will be made as soon as possible to allow businessmen to do business. The mayor wants to inaugurate the construction work on November 14.
Responding to the question whether it will be multi-storied or tinned, he said, multi-storied building is a long process. There are many processes to go through starting from the design. At this point we want traders to be able to conduct their business in the fastest possible time. How long will they do business on the streets? So we don't want to go into the process of building multi-storied buildings now. For now, I want to give business opportunities to the traders by doing the market as before. However, there are plans to develop the market in the future.
After visiting the fire-damaged market on October 23, Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam held an view exchange meeting with the affected businessmen at Souchna Community Center. There he said, we have taken this decision after discussing with everyone so that you businessmen are not affected. I want to put a smile on the faces of the fire-affected traders by building a market and returning their shops. Construction will start from October 30 as per earlier design. You will get the shop allocation according to the space available to whoever had the shop.
He also said that a multi-storied market with modern facilities will be constructed here later Cineplex, multipurpose shopping mall with children's play area will be constructed. Then after giving the notice, space must be left for the construction of the market. Even after the construction of the new multi-storied market, you will surely get allotment of shops here. There is no reason to worry about it.
Meanwhile, Mayor Atiqul Islam announced a financial assistance of one crore taka for the affected traders and three crore taka allocation for the construction of the market.
Dhaka-13 Constituency Member of Parliament Md. Sadek Khan said that many businessmen have been affected by the fire. I know many people do business with bank loans. Today they are in grave danger as the market is burnt. Assistance has already been provided by the Ministry of Relief on the instructions of the Prime Minister to help the businessmen in distress. I hope that the mayor will soon construct the market and take measures to clear the shops of the affected traders.
Awami League presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's workers never sit at home in danger of people. He jumps for people in any danger including fire. The work of the fire-damaged market will begin soon. Business brothers have to be patient.
Councilor of 29 wards of DNCC and President of Mohammadpur Krishi Market Traders Association Md. Salimullah (Solu) said that the market will be built again for the traders. All those previously allocated must get the shop.