Broken Dreams Beneath the Ashes
by Anwar Ehtesham
Once again, the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, was struck by a devastating fire. This time, the blaze engulfed Bongo Bazar, the largest retail and wholesale ready-made garments market in the city, comprising approximately 5,000 outlets. The fire broke out on April 4, 2023, quickly spreading and leaving the city's oldest neighbourhoods covered in thick black smoke.
The recent fire, while not resulting in any loss of life, has had a profound effect on those affected. Bongo Bazar and four neighbouring clothing markets were ravaged by the blaze, leaving approximately 400,000 business owners without a means of livelihood and around 1 million workers without jobs just before the country's largest religious celebration, Eid-ul Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.
The bustling Bongo Bazar was a haven for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs who invested their time, energy, and resources to create better lives for themselves and their families. However, the fire destroyed their dreams, leaving them with the daunting task of starting over from scratch.
The victims, many of whom were sole breadwinners for their families, now face financial turmoil, struggling to make ends meet. The loss has put their aspirations of providing for their families, sending their children to school, and building a stable future on hold.
As the community copes with the aftermath, it's essential to prioritize safety measures and take the necessary steps to prevent future incidents.
Camera: Ricoh GR 3
