PM to provide financial aid to Bangabazar fire affected traders: Mayor Taposh

Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh today said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will provide Bangabazar traders with sufficient financial assistance to bounce back from the adversities brought forth by yesterday's devastating fire.

"In case of any calamity, the first task is conducting the rescue operation. That was done yesterday. Now we will fully consider the humanitarian aspects and stand by the small traders and investors. I spoke to the prime minister this morning. She said only after we list and assess the extent of the damage, she will provide all the traders with assistance so that they can turn around. That is the priority for all of us now," the Dhaka South mayor said while laying the foundation stone for a sports ground in the capital's Goran on Wednesday (5 April).

Stating that there was a plan to construct a multi-storey building in Bangbazar, but it could not be done due to the lawsuit, Mayor Taposh said, "We had a plan to construct a multi-storey building there. Due to the lawsuit, it was not implemented. The traders are now in a crisis. We have to give some time so that they can turn around again. Then we will sit down with them to come up with a new plan so that they can conduct business there properly."

Asked by reporters whether the fire was a planned act of vandalism, he said, "So far it appears to be an accident. However, the investigation will reveal from where and how it started."

Stating that a new wholesale market will be built in Bangabazar as per the previous plan, Mayor Taposh said, "We will sit with them. We will also show the design of the building to the prime minister.  The real victims of this fire will be given priority in the new building. They will be rehabilitated first."