Kathmandu: Bhatbhateni Supermarket, one of Nepal’s largest retail chains, has announced that it will not lay off any of its employees despite suffering the heaviest damage during the Gen Z protests and subsequent vandalism, looting, and arson.
The company estimates losses of around Rs 10 to 15 billion after 12 of its stores across the country were completely destroyed. Yet, Bhatbhateni has pledged to retain all its staff and even provide them with Dashain bonuses.
“I have to fight for the future of the brothers and sisters associated with me,” said Bhatbhateni’s Managing Director Min Bahadur Gurung in an interview with Clickmandu. “Even if they cannot work, I will still pay them. Not just their salary for Bhadra, but I will also send them their Dashain bonus.”
Referring to his employees as family members, Gurung added, “I personally do not celebrate Dashain. But my children — those associated with me — they have to celebrate it. They will get their Dashain bonus too.”
Stressing that he did not become a businessman merely to earn money, Gurung said his efforts were meant to serve the nation. “It’s not just about profit. My wish is to create jobs, make everyone prosperous, and contribute to nation-building,” he said.
Gurung revealed plans to bring some Kathmandu outlets back into operation within three months, and all outlets nationwide within 10 months. While the total extent of losses is still being assessed, he estimates the damage could reach as high as Rs 15 billion.
“Everything has been burned to ashes, looted, wiped out,” Gurung said. “We will have to work very hard to stand back up again.”
Comment Here