Karwan Bazar to be relocated to reduce traffic congestion: LGRD Minister

Local Government Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md Tazul Islam today said all the wholesale and retails kitchen markets of Dhaka city will have to be set up at government designated locations to reduce traffic congestion and public suffering.

"We will definitely take action against those who will set up shops on the roads," said the minister while visiting Gabtali aiming to relocate Karwan Bazar there.

The minister said Karwan Bazar was established long ago and goods from this market are distributed in retail markets of the city.

"Traders coming from different parts of the country struggle to reach here while distribution also becomes a struggle due to traffic congestion. We have started working on how Karwan Bazar can be shifted to a different suitable point of Dhaka," he added.

He said wholesale and retail kitchen markets should not be set up at the same place in densely populated areas and it is better if wholesale kitchen markets can be shifted outside the city.

"The mayors and councillors will decide how many markets are needed in an area instead of establishing wholesale and retail kitchen markets everywhere. If new markets are needed it will be done identifying suitable spots," the minister said.

"It's not logical to establish a three-storied building for the kitchen market but at Gabtoli it is being made to sell other products like electronics goods in the upper floors. Our main aim is to build a planned and beautiful Dhaka," he added.

The LGRD minister said they will aim to ensure that the traders who would have to leave are not affected.