Min Bahadur Gurung, Chairman and Managing Director of the Bhatbhateni Supermarket chain, has warned that Nepal could face further — and potentially more destructive — unrest if the concerns raised by the Gen Z movement are not taken seriously.
Speaking at a National Tax Day event in Kathmandu on Monday, November 17, Gurung delivered candid remarks while the government honoured the highest income taxpayers for fiscal year 2023/24. Bhatbhateni Super Market & Departmental Store was recognised as the highest income taxpayer in the goods-trading category.
But Bhatbhateni, Nepal’s largest retail chain, has been repeatedly targeted during political and civil unrest over the past year. Its Koteshwar outlet was vandalised during pro-monarchy protests in March 2025. More devastatingly, 12 outlets — including the flagship store in Bhatbhateni — were reduced to rubble during the Gen Z-led protests of September 8 and 9, resulting in the total loss of buildings and inventory. The destruction came merely weeks before Nepal’s major festivals, a period when retailers traditionally hold heavy stock.
“The Gen Zs overthrew the government in just two days,” Gurung said. “We must take this seriously. Otherwise, there will be another movement — and if that happens, neither my Bhatbhateni will remain, nor anyone’s investment.”
Gurung suggested that infiltrators may have intensified the violence. Despite the losses, he said he is committed to rebuilding and moving forward: “I have responsibilities. The bank has investments, thousands of brothers and sisters rely on me, and above all, my country comes first.”
He argued that Nepal’s recurring cycles of protest stem partly from economic vulnerability and partly from a lack of accountability among business and political leaders.
“If our own home becomes weak, outsiders will come and rule over us,” he said, expressing hope that such incidents will not repeat.
Gurung also addressed a controversy that has followed him for months: the claim that Bhatbhateni was targeted because he donated land and infrastructure to a political party.
Last year, the CPN-UML accepted Gurung’s donation of 10 ropani and 14 aana (0.55 hectares) of land in Kirtipur, along with his pledge to construct the party’s new headquarters. Then-Prime Minister and UML Chair KP Sharma Oli and Gurung jointly laid the foundation stone in October 2024.
The decision triggered widespread criticism, including from within the party, with some leaders arguing that the donation compromised UML’s credibility and autonomy.
A writ petition filed by advocate Gyan Bahadur Basnet challenged the legality of the “gift”. The Supreme Court temporarily halted the ownership transfer on October 28, issuing a short-term interim order noting that the donation appeared "prima facie not in accordance with the law." However, on December 16, a bench of Justices Abdul Aziz Musalman and Bal Krishna Dhakal dismissed the petition, clearing the way for the UML to proceed.
Gurung defended his philanthropy as a private matter.
“After paying taxes, whatever remains is Bhatbhateni’s to donate,” he said. “Under Dr Bhagawan Koirala’s leadership, we were preparing to inaugurate a children’s hospital this month. The movement delayed it.”
He highlighted his longstanding charitable work, including sponsoring MBBS education for students from impoverished families and funding infrastructure at the Teaching Hospital.
“They say I built a building for a political party. That is my personal matter,” Gurung said. “I told all parties: improve yourselves, and we will support you.”
He insisted that his contributions are always one-way: “When people asked for support, I said, ‘Why ask ten people? I’ll give it myself.’ And because of that, I had to face all this. I don’t take from anyone—I only give.”
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