Baharchara market in Cox’s Bazar saw a larger-than-usual crowd of shoppers on Friday, with people turning up early to buy daily necessities for their families.
The market’s vegetable stalls and other shops gradually became busier as the morning progressed, with many people travelling from nearby and distant areas to purchase household essentials.
Shoppers wboughtvegetables, fish, meat, rice, lentils, cooking oil, and other necessities. Traders said the weekly holiday usually brings more customers to the market than on regular days.
While shoppers searched for their preferred products, sellers also stayed busy as demand rose increased. Bargaining and transactions at different points of the market created a lively atmosphere.
Although the supply of essential goods remained normal, shoppers had mixed reactions to prices. While some said prices for several items remained affordable, others complained that higher prices for some essentials were making it difficult to manage household expenses.
Potatoes were selling for Tk 30–35 a kilogram, onions for Tk 50–60, green chillies for Tk 100–120, and various vegetables for Tk 40–70 a kilogram. Fish and meat prices varied by type.
Md Rafiqul Islam, who came to shop at the market, said, “On the weekly holiday, I have to buy the household essentials all at once. Although the prices of some products are normal, higher prices of fish, meat and several other items are increasing household expenses.”
Traders, however, said higher wholesale prices were affecting retail prices.
Abdul Karim, a seller at Baharchhara market, said business was better on Fridays because of the higher number of customers. “If prices fall in the wholesale market, we will also be able to sell products at lower prices,” he said.
Another trader, Md Kamal Hossain, said prices fluctuated to some extent due to transport costs and other factors. “We are selling the products with only a small profit margin,” he said.
With more shoppers on the weekly holiday, Baharchhara market became lively early in the morning. However, consumers continue to call for stable prices of essential goods and for them to remain within their reach.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
