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Meanwhile, Tk 6.19 crore was collected in a savings account opened with the money raised to help the affected businessmen following the fire incident.

However, none of the affected businessmen reportedly received the aid money.

Asked, Helal Uddin, president of Bangladesh Shop Owners Association, confirmed it.

A DSCC source said the money from the savings is being considered for spending on the construction of the proposed market complex, adjusting it to the amount the shop owners were supposed to pay in installments.

Zahirul Islam, general secretary of a shop owners’ association at Bangabazar, said, “We are eagerly waiting for construction of the new building to start as soon as possible and hope that it will be completed within stipulated time.”

DSCC mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, said, “The ongoing business activities will continue till Eid-ul-Fitr, after which the construction works of the new market complex will begin. We hope the premier will lay its foundation stone.”

“The tender process in this regard has already been completed. At the new market, space will be provided to those whose shops were damaged in the fire,” he added.