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The Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI) yesterday gave away Tk 1.42 crore among 142 small traders whose businesses in the capital’s Bangabazar have been severely affected by a devastating fire on April 4.
Each businessman received Tk 1 lakh. MCCI President Md Saiful Islam handed over the cheques to the affected traders at an event held at the chamber office in the capital.
Md Helal Uddin, president of the Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity, a platform for shop owners, was present at the event.
The Society for National Charity (SNC), a social organisation, has helped identify the severely impacted traders.
At the ceremony, Islam urged businessmen to be more responsible and compliant to avert any devastating fire incident.
The Bangabazar fire, which burned down nearly 500 small shops, exposed lack of an adequate fire-safety protection system. This means many businessmen were doing business without fire protection measures.
Although no casualties were reported, almost all businessmen, especially the cottage, micro, small and medium ones, have lost almost everything from inventories and cash to furniture owing to the blaze.
Before Ramadan and Pahela Baishakh, businessmen were supposed to enjoy peak sale seasons. But unfortunately, they have missed the season and are going to lose nearly 80 per cent of their expected retail sales, Islam said.
The MCCI chief suggested installing fire extinguishers at markets and hiring trained fire-fighters to maintain safety standards.
Twelve major fire incidents hit the country in 16 days, pushing many businessmen out of their businesses.
Helal Uddin said there was almost no compliance at Bangabazar.
“However, we hope the affected businessmen will make a turnaround very soon as they have already started their business.”
He said the country needs markets like Bangabazar so that low-income consumers can shop there and buy low-cost goods.
Shahin Ahmed Khan, chief executive officer of the SNC, also spoke.
(TDS)
