Century-old market faces demolition threat

In the historic Shutibari market of Dimla Upazila, Nilphamari, a sense of unease and fear looms large over more than 650 business owners. The market, a bustling commercial hub for nearly a century, is now gripped by rumors of an impending eviction, causing widespread anxiety among traders. The fear is palpable, with the possibility of nearly 2,000 families being left destitute and facing financial losses amounting to millions.
The Shutibari market has been a cornerstone of commerce in the region, with traders operating legally and paying tolls as per government regulations. However, the market has not been immune to the threat of eviction, with local chairmen issuing notices to vacate parts of the market in the past. Traders have managed to stave off these threats by paying substantial sums, but with each change in leadership, the specter of eviction rears its head once again.

Recently, the upazila administration initiated a partial demolition in the Chandina Vitta area, followed by a 30-day eviction notice issued by the Assistant Land Officer. Abdul Baten, a retired army officer and president of the Shutibari  Market Cooperative Association Ltd., accused influential individuals of attempting to seize the market's land through administrative means. He mentioned that the situation has been somewhat alleviated after informing the upazila and district administrations.

Wholesale traders such as Mahabur Rahman, Josiar, and Sohel are deeply concerned about their livelihoods. They have invested significantly in the market and employ multiple individuals in their shops. They fear that a full-scale demolition would leave them homeless and plunge their families into poverty. They urge the government to limit the eviction to only necessary areas and to provide alternative locations for relocation to prevent the collapse of the wholesale trade.

Small traders, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed their fear and anger at being told to leave the market where their forefathers have traded for generations. They face threats of seizure of goods and legal action if they do not comply with the eviction notice, spreading fear and anger among them. They believe that a forced eviction would leave them penniless and homeless.

Dimla Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Farzana Akhtar stated that the matter is internal and that the administration does not disclose details regarding the number of shops to be evicted. She mentioned that notices have been issued to illegal occupiers and that the administration had faced limitations during previous eviction attempts, which prevented full enforcement of the eviction.

As the situation unfolds, the traders of Shutibari  market await the decision of the higher authorities with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that will safeguard their livelihoods and the centuries-old market.