Security concerns rise at Bangladesh Market following armed attack on stall owners

STALL owners at Bangladesh Market fear for their safety following an armed robbery that targeted vendors and shook traders and the market's reputation.

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

With calls for enhanced security measures, the incident has raised concerns for the majority of stallholders and the market's reputation.

Armed men allegedly stormed the market, stealing cash and other valuables from vendors, as they were setting up their stalls on Saturday morning.

Mahen Govender, a member of the Bangladesh Market committee, said the security vendors were allegedly held up by four young men.

He said there were claims that one of the suspects was an assistant who did odd jobs at the market.

“This one had aided the others by some of the stall owners to assist them to carry their goods. The suspects also robbed customers as they market back home.”

“The four suspects approached the Poultry Vendor area, which is at the back of the market, at around 5am. They were armed with guns. We are told that one of the firearms that was used could have been a gas gun. The suspects robbed of cash, some of his belongings and a firearm. Friday they robbed another vendor of cash and fled.