Photo : BSS

BARISAL, Feb 25, 2026 (BSS) - A notable initiative has been taken to support low-income residents in Mehendiganj upazila of the district during the holy month of Ramadan.

A temporary fair price market has been set up at the personal initiative of State Minister Rajib Ahsan, where daily essential commodities are being sold at prices significantly lower than the general market rates. 

The market operates daily from 10 am to 4 pm and is managed by leaders and activists of the upazila BNP and its affiliated organizations.

At the market, onions are priced at Tk 40 per kg, garlic at Tk 120, chickpeas at Tk 80, potatoes at Tk 12, carrots at Tk 30, cucumbers at Tk 45, and green chilies at Tk 120. Popular iftar items such as dates are being sold for Tk 300–350 per kg, while malta, apples, and oranges are available at Tk 300 per kg.

Local buyers reported that the initiative has already influenced surrounding markets, causing prices to drop. For instance, cucumbers previously sold at Tk 90–100 per kg in Patarhat market are now available at Tk 45 per kg.

Long queues of marginalized people have been seen at the market, eager to purchase goods at affordable prices. Many buyers said they were previously compelled to pay inflated prices due to syndicate-controlled markets, and welcomed the new initiative. They also urged authorities to continue such markets throughout the year, not just during Ramadan.

On the first day, the market activities were supervised by Upazila BNP convener Gias Uddin Dipen, who said the initiative aims to control prices and break the monopoly of business syndicates, and it will continue throughout Ramadan. He also mentioned plans to soon offer beef at Tk 600–650 per kg and chicken at Tk 150 per kg.

Upazila Jubo Dal convener Syed Naeem Islam Tuhin added that attempts had been made to destabilize the market in the past, and this initiative was necessary to maintain stability during Ramadan. 

Meanwhile, Barisal North District Jubo Dal convener Salauddin Piplu said that Rajib Ahsan has taken multiple steps for public welfare since being elected to the Barisal-4 constituency, and the fair price market has already received a positive response from the community.