DIPAN NANDY and SHAHEEN MOLLAH

Even after three years since the devastating fire at Dhaka’s Bangabazar on April 4, 2023 that gutted thousands of shops just days ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, victim traders have yet to receive any compensation.

A fund of Tk 6.19 crore collected to assist affected traders remains frozen in bank accounts, growing to Tk 6.25 crore with interest, while most traders, now burdened by debt, are struggling to restart their businesses.

Also, the Dhaka District Administration raised Tk 3.5 crore, with 600 traders and 1,200 employees were disbursed Tk 25,000 each, officials claimed. However, victims allege that the aid reached only a handful, leaving many in the dark about the distribution process.

Moreover, the then-prime minister announced a Tk 15 crore grant for the affected traders, but those funds were never deposited following her ouster.

Belayet Hossain, owner of Tahmid Garments, lost After

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