Traders at the capital`s Karwan Bazar have rejected the government`s plan to move them to the city`s Jatbari and Aminbazar areas.
The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) authorities previously asked them to do so, but at a meeting with them on Thursday, the traders binned the call.
They have also demanded that DNCC renovate the Karwan Bazar market.
The DNCC had asked the Karwan Bazar traders to move as the buildings are dangerous and prone to major accidents.
During the meeting, DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam said that there is no wholesale market for perishable goods in any developed country`s capital city.
Hence, to build Smart Bangladesh, the Karwan Bazar market may be relocated to Jatrabari and Aminbazar.
The mayor also assured the traders that they will be allocated the same amount of space for the new market.
He added that an 11-member committee will be formed to evaluate the overall situation.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the government does not want to forcefully transfer the Karwan Bazar market, neither it wants to disrupt businesses.
The Karwan Bazar kitchen market was established in the late 18th century by the Marwari tradesman Kawran (Karwan) Singh on the outskirts of the main settlement area of Dhaka at that time.
The government has chalked out a master plan for around 500 acres of the Tejgaon Industrial Area, which was developed in the 1950s as part of efforts to modernize Dhaka. In line with the plan, the government decided to relocate the Karwan Bazar kitchen market and Tejgaon truck terminals.
