On May 1, a fire completely destroyed 186 shops in Karwan Bazar, causing irrevocable loss to the shopkeepers. We shudder to think of the dire consequences had the fire broke out on any other day than May Day, when the shops were open and employees at work. Still, the havoc caused by the fire is considerable – according to the Babosayee Samity Organising Secretary, the loss in the fire incident was about Tk. 50 crore. The small traders lost their stores as well as their storage units—and their only source of income. 

The fire is a reminder of the danger of unsafe, makeshift structures made of bricks, wood and bamboo, with no provisions for fire safety. It is a wonder that makeshift markets such as these have been allowed to function in their vulnerable forms in the heart of the city with no attempts from the respective authorities to ensure the minimum safety standards. This must be corrected immediately.

Meanwhile, a section of the shopkeepers suspect foul-play, given that DCC-North had been trying to relocate the market elsewhere for a while now. The mayor has staunchly denied this allegation, and we take him at his word. However, there should be a fair probe to preclude such a possibility. 

The government and the city corporation should provide some form of compensation to the traders who have now lost everything they own. If traders have to be moved, the authorities ought to provide a suitable alternative and partly bear the cost of relocation.