Tension flares in Krishi Market as two trader groups wrest over control

Shop owners close stalls in protest against BNP leader Mamun’s alleged bid to take over the market

Firefighters work after a fire broke out at the Mohammadpur Krishi Market in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sept 14, 2023, in this picture obtained from social media. Arshadul Hoque Rocky/via REUTERS

Two rival trader factions in the capital’s Mohammadpur Krishi Market are locked in a struggle for control, prompting police and Army intervention.

On Wednesday, the conflict escalated over the dispute, which followed a devastating fire in September 2023 that had razed more than 200 tin-shed shops.

Dhaka North City Corporation began rebuilding the market with concrete structures soon after.

Traders claim that supporters of local Ward BNP Vice-President Mamun Patwary have started asserting control over the newly built market, leading to several altercations.

On Wednesday’s incident, shop owner Ohidul said they had been collecting money among themselves to pay the electricity bills.

However, Mamun allegedly declared himself the market committee’s president and tried to have his men collect the bills instead.

In protest, shop owners shut their shops and staged a rally.

Mohammadpur Police Inspector Abdul Alim said, “We received a 999 call about trouble in the market. Police went to the scene and spoke to both sides to calm the situation.”