Dhaka: Once people used to go to Dhaka’s Dholaikhal downmarket to reclaim their much-loved things stolen away. The Dholaikhal model has now been replicated by burglars and pilferers in many parts of the capital.      

At least three such swag markets were explored in the city last week by the banglanews24.com.bd staff writer, which only came out as the tip of the iceberg.

A horde of over 200 of professional thieves are learnt to have established these open markets of shoddy goods in city’s Mirpur, Gulistan and Kamalapur areas of late.

All the necessary commodities such as shoes, clothes, watch, readymade garments, electronics, spectacles and hardware tools are marketed in those markets.

Recently such a swag market was found beside the tomb of Hazrat Shah Ali (Ra) in Mirpur area. It is known to all in the area as ‘chorai market’. Everyday the downmarket in the downtown area becomes abuzz with local buyers.

To allure the customer and to hide the identity of the stolen goods, the corner-side kiosks wrap and pack the items in an eye-catching fashion. As a result, none--even the owner of any such stolen product--can stake their claim to their own beloved belongings.

It was revealed that, just after the snatching or stealing, muggers and burglars change the colour or shape of the goods.

Such goods are also available with the vendors on footpaths in overcrowded areas like Gulistan, Farmgate, Sadarghat, Kamalapur and beneath the over-bridges.

The vendors said poorer sections of people in this mushrooming metropolis—where extremes of poverty and affluence meet in a rather paradoxical social milieu—are the major customers of those commodities.

Sources in the know said that sometimes the stolen things, especially shoes, are supplied to the big markets also, where high-society buyers are often bamboozled.

A number of businesspeople informed banglanews24.com.bd that the thieves are making handsome money marketing through the whole-sellers in some renowned markets.

Common traders of surrounding areas viewed that, nowadays, the number of burglars engaged in this bonanza has been on the rise hugely.

“Because, the existence of such booty markets is an inspiration for the burglars, as they can sell the stolen goods safely and openly. Besides, the number of shoppers is also on the upturn,” said one of the businesspeople.

OC of Mirpur Model thana Kazi Wajed Ali told banglanews24.com.bd, “They generally sell shoes manufactured locally but branding those as ‘stolen’ items. That’s why police do not feel it necessary to raid those markets.”

BDST: 1837 HRS. AUG 29 2010