‘If I Had Given Up, Nepal’s Private Sector Would Have Collapsed’- Min Bahadur Gurung

Min Bahadur Gurung

Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, Nepal’s largest retail chain, is gradually resuming operations after large-scale destruction during the Gen Z movement, with its reopening being viewed as a symbol of resilience and post-crisis recovery in Nepal’s private sector.

Speaking at the reopening ceremony of the Kateshwar Bhat-Bhateni branch on Saturday, Chairman Min Bahadur Gurung compared the incident of Bhadra 24 to some of the most devastating events in world history.

“I have compared this incident to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, and to the bombing of a German aircraft engine factory in Munich in July 1944, which completely destroyed infrastructure and killed many people,” Gurung said. “But the factory operators did not give up. They gathered scrap, first made fans, then bicycles, and later produced the world-famous BMW cars. Japan, too, rose from destruction to become a developed nation.”

Gurung said Bhat-Bhateni represents more than a business enterprise. “This institution has provided employment to thousands of Nepalis. For years, we have been Nepal’s number one taxpayer. We have built large hospitals, helped poor children from remote areas become doctors, and played a major role in social transformation and modernization. Whether during earthquakes or floods, we have always stood in the front line of relief,” he said.

The violence on Bhadra 24 resulted in the destruction of 12 Bhat-Bhateni branches — five inside Kathmandu Valley and seven outside. One branch has now resumed operations, while reconstruction is ongoing at the remaining outlets. Nationwide, the company operates 28 branches.

Gurung revealed that the incident caused an estimated loss of Rs 10.85 billion . “The damage is massive. Thinking about the losses gives me a headache,” he said.

Despite the scale of destruction, Gurung emphasized that the company did not lose courage. “Nepal will rise. Nepalis do not only work abroad; we can build our own country. Such incidents should never repeat. Now that the movement has ended, the nation must focus on development,” he said.

He assured that all former employees’ jobs and benefits remain secure. “Bhat-Bhateni is one of Nepal’s largest employers and the top taxpayer. We have contributed in education, health, disaster relief, temple construction, and many social sectors.”

Highlighting the role of enterprise in national growth, Gurung said, “The private sector is the backbone of the economy. Pushing it backward will not move the country forward. That is a tragedy and a sign of ignorance.”

He added a personal note: “I came from Khotang and reached here through hard work, not dishonesty. An honest and hardworking person always moves ahead. Bhadra 24 was one of the rarest and most painful incidents, yet we did not give up.”

Gurung made his strongest remark while reflecting on the aftermath:
“If I had given up, Nepal’s private sector would have collapsed. My love for the country and society pushed me forward.”

He called on the public to move beyond negativity. “Let us think positively, talk about progress, and avoid false accusations. Within 15 years, we want to live as citizens of a prosperous nation. We must work hard, remain honest, and support one another.”

The reopening of the Kateshwar outlet marks the beginning of what Gurung described as Bhat-Bhateni’s “second life”, positioning the company as a symbol of recovery, economic continuity, and private-sector resilience in Nepal.