Bhat-Bhateni Koteshwor reopens five months after protest arson
Over 300 employees have returned to work.
KATHMANDU: Koteshwor’s Bhat-Bhateni Superstore has reopened five months after being destroyed during violent protests on Sept 9, when demonstrators set fire to 12 of the company’s 27 branches nationwide. The attacks left one person dead at Koteshwor, six at Chuchepati, and one in Itahari.
Over 300 employees have returned to work at the restored Koteshwor branch, while others have been deployed to operational stores or involved in cleanup and restoration. Bhat-Bhateni’s management confirmed that no employee lost their job and all salaries continued during the closure.
The rebuilt Koteshwor store now includes all previous services along with an international-standard play area for children and a food court. The company plans to reopen the remaining 11 damaged branches soon.
Bhat-Bhateni employs nearly 10,000 people across Nepal. Management emphasized that the reopening marks a step toward recovery, reflecting the company’s resilience and commitment to better service for customers.
