Mayor Atiq for setting up night markets, holiday markets in city

Atiqul Islam, mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), has called for establishing night markets and holiday markets, through specific planning, to rid the public of the suffering it faces due to footpath shops. 

He also said there will be no shortage of space if traders worked according to a specific plan.

The DNCC mayor said this at the concluding ceremony of the fifth edition of Bangladesh Retail Congress 2020 organised on Saturday by the Bangladesh Brand Forum to discuss knowledge and skills among retail professionals. 

The event focused on the future development plans of the retail market. However, special emphasis was placed on the issues of growth, policy support and modernisation of the retail market.

Atiqul Islam said, "We do not want hawkers to do business by occupying the sidewalks and causing trouble for pedestrians. We also do not want to allow unlicensed businesses in residential areas." 

"We are more interested in setting up night markets and holiday markets. There will be no shortage of space," he added.

"Those who do business on footpaths have to pay extortion money. If the market is set up in a designated area, there will be no need to pay extortion money," he argued.

The mayor also asked the retailers to prioritise the expansion of various services and products in their shops. 

He also warned traders not to do anything that might violate the rights of consumers.

Meanwhile, Atiqul Islam also said holding tax can be paid online from January next year.

At the programme, Sirajul Islam, chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) said, "Modernisation of the retail market should be given utmost importance. Bida is ready to provide all support in this regard."

Other speakers focused on the vital role of the retail market in: operating digital shops, ensuring maximum consumer comfort, reducing the price gap between online and offline shops, and ensuring safe and quality products.