Another Man's Treasure

In the capital's Chawk Bazar, Gulistan, Mouchak, Malibagh and opposite the Nagar Bhaban , second hand consumer electronics are becoming highly popular. What they have on offer isn't always serviceable but people still find various uses for them. From discarded electronic parts, broken mobile phones, used table fans, computers, laptops and even a Sony PSP, a gaming device, can all be found here. Bilkis, an 8 year old seller, opposite Nagar Bhaban, makes a profit of Tk 300 per day selling old torches, headphones, irons and so on. An old mobile phone will set one back Tk 50, Tk 600 for a table fan, Tk 20 for headphones with prices depending on the condition of the wares. Many buyers even scavenge parts, fix electronics and sell for a higher mark up. The customers are usually from the lower-income groups, but in area, such as around Dhaka medical, patients come to buy what they need in case of an emergency. For instance, if one forgets to bring a charger and has to stay at the hospital overnight, even that is available for a low price of Tk 40.

Photo: Anisur Rahman