Online Desk: Different individuals and organisations have provided Tk 1.50 crore till 4:00pm on Sunday for the traders affected by Bangabazar fire in the capital recently. Of the amount, transgender community provided Tk 20 lakh while an individual donated Tk 2 lakh alone. At about 11:15am, AKM Baharuddin Bahar MP of Cumilla-6 constituency appeared at Bangabazar. Traders led by him donated Tk 26 lakh to the affected traders assistance fund.

AKM Baharuddin Bahar said, “I announced to donate Tk 10 lakh. I also requested Cumilla Dokan Malik Samity general secretary to provide Tk 10 lakh. Besides, I requested Cumilla City Corporation mayor Tk 5 lakh. We announced to provide Tk 25 lakh instantly. Later, our panel mayor also donated Tk 1 lakh. Though we announced to donate Tk 25 lakh, we have handed over Tk 26 lakh today (Friday).”

Then, A.H.M. Shafiquzzaman, Director General of the Directorate of National Consumers’ Right Protection under the Ministry of Commerce, went to the affected Bangabazar. He handed over salary amounting to Tk 2 lakh of his office staff to the affected traders. Shafiquzzaman said, “I have handed over Tk 2 lakh which was one day’s salary of our officers and employees. We have done this because many traders think that we are against them. But, we will remain beside them.”

Transgenders provide Tk 22 lakh to affected traders

At about 10:45am, transgender Aleya went to Bangabazar and donated Tk 2 lakh to the affected traders from her expenses for performing Hajj this year. Then, Bangladesh Transgender Development Association donated Tk 20 lakh to the affected traders.

Bangladesh Transgender Development Association president Kashmir Dipali Hijra said, “We have met the expenses of our lives taking money from these traders over the last 30 to 40 years. Now, time has come to repay them. We have decided not to buy any dress during this year’s Eid shopping. Rather, we have come forward to assist them with that money. We have collected Tk 20 lakh from our members around the country. We have come here to donate the amount to them today. If they remain alive, we will also remain alive.”

FBCCI donates Tk 1 crore

Finally, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has announced Tk 1 crore donation for the rehabilitation of traders affected by recent fire at Bangabazar Market.

FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin made the announcement while visiting Bangabazar area on Sunday afternoon. He also urged all in the country’s business sector to come forward and stand beside the traders and shop owners affected by the fire that burned down Bangabazar Market.