Retail sourcing of imported goods to be affected
Economists and experts said the fire at Gulshan 1 DNCC market may not cause an economic shock, but consumers of imported goods, especially baby products will surely be affected.
Former governor of Bangladesh Bank and economist Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said: “As Gulshan 1 DNCC market is one of the biggest wholesale distributors of imported merchandise, some retailers may now demand higher prices, using a decrease in supply as an excuse.”
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Abdul Matlub Ahmad said: “Dhaka distributors get most of their products from the Chittagong port. I do not think there should be any shortfall of goods, but there may be a delay in deliveries.”
Anwar Hossain Mawla, owner of Mawla Traders of DNCC kitchen market, is a wholesaler who suffered a loss of around Tk4 crore due to the fire.
He said: “There will be an overall loss of around Tk 600 crore. I have lost everything.”
Bangladesh Dokan Malik Samity President SA Quader Kiron said: “The supply chain of imported products will not stop. Retailers could reduce prices to gain new customers.”
Former president of the association Md Helal Uddin said: “The DNCC market was frequented by diplomats and foreigners. They bought baby products as well as shopped for their daily needs.”
An expatriate who has shopped at the market for the past 10 years said: “Sourcing wholesale items such as food and supplies for our children will be difficult now.”
Afrose Jahan Chaity, Dhaka Tribune
(Published 2017/01/04)
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