In a bid to pave the way for the construction of new multi-storey buildings, the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has intensified its eviction drive, targeting makeshift stores at Bangabazar. This move marks the second day of the ongoing operation aimed at transforming the area and revitalizing its commercial landscape.
Commencing at 9 am on Tuesday, the eviction drive witnessed several business owners documenting the operation on their mobile phones, albeit unwilling to provide comments. Notably, various city corporation officers and employees were present to oversee the proceedings.
The eviction of temporary shops in Bangabazar was initiated on Monday afternoon by the DSCC’s property department, following a devastating fire on April 4, 2023, which ravaged the capital’s oldest and most renowned wholesale cloth market. The inferno impacted 3,845 businessmen, resulting in an estimated financial loss of Tk303 crore.
In the aftermath of the fire, affected businessmen resorted to operating their businesses through makeshift tents and small stalls within the vacant market space. However, the DSCC’s efforts to modernize and create a business-friendly environment have culminated in plans for a state-of-the-art building project – the Bangabazar Wholesale City Shopping Complex.
Spanning 1.79 acres and comprising 10 floors, including a ground floor and basement, the modern building will house 3,042 shops, each ranging from 80 to 100 square feet. The infrastructure will boast eight elevators, facilitating seamless movement for customers, sellers, and cargo transportation.
Furthermore, the complex will feature parking facilities, food outlets, association offices, security arrangements, and accommodations for workers, catering to the diverse needs of stakeholders. The construction endeavor is estimated to incur a cost of Tk338 crore, signaling a significant investment in revitalizing the commercial landscape of Bangabazar.
As the DSCC presses forward with its ambitious plans, the demolition of makeshift stores underscores a pivotal step towards realizing a modernized and vibrant business hub at Bangabazar. Stay tuned for further updates as the transformation unfolds.
