Photo : BSS

By Md Mamun Islam
 
RANGPUR, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS) - Since the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, the Iftar market in Rangpur city has become bustling with a huge sale of various types of delicious and attractive food items, combining tradition and modernity.
 
Since noon, vendors have been setting up various dishes with a mix of tradition and modernity in front of the reputed restaurants, hotels and the alleys and main roads of the city.  
 
Sales are also going well everywhere and sellers and buyers are seen happy.
 
As always, the traditional and varied Iftar includes Shahi Jilapi, Potato Chop, Chicken Roll, Mama Halim, Boot Biryani, Chicken Haleem, Muscat Halwa, Daibra, Falooda, Patabra, Patisapta Pitha, Chicken Fry, Matha, Borhani, Vegetable Roll, Nimkapara, Nimki, Dim Chop, Shak Flori, Beef Toast, Chicken Toast, Jali Kebab, Mutton Shashlik, Shami Kebab, Tika Kebab, Chicken Chop, Chicken Tandoori, Reshmi Jilapi, Chanar Polao, Mutton Rejala, Mutton Kebab, Piyaju and Beguni, along with at least fifty other dishes. 
 
A visit to the city's Kachari Bazar, Jahaz Company Intersection, Paira Chattar, DC Mour, City Bazar, Medical Intersection, Parker Mour, Modern Mour, CO Bazar, Central Bus Terminal, Shapla Square, Lalbag Bazar and many other areas shows a huge crowd of shoppers. 
 
The aroma of various Kebabs fills the surroundings. 
 
A liter of Mama Haleem is being sold for Taka 140 to Taka 150, half a liter for Taka 70 to Taka 80, Shahi Jilapi for Taka 20 to Taka 50 per piece, Bundia for Taka 240 to Taka 260 per kg, Patisapta Pitha for Taka 40 per piece, fried 'Boot' for Taka 160 per kg, Chicken Grill for Taka 120 per piece, Chicken Tandoori for Taka 130 per piece, Chicken Shashlik for Taka 70, Muscat Halwa for Taka 400 per kg, Chhana Polao for Taka 320, and Nimak Pora for Taka 280 to Taka 300 per kg. 
 
Talking to BSS this afternoon, a number of traders said that the prices of Iftar items have not increased much this year compared to last year. 
 
Environmental expert Dr Mamunur Rashid, who came to buy Iftar at Kachari Bazar, said, "Although the price of everything seems a bit high, I come to buy Iftar because of the tradition. Especially, our Iftar is incomplete without the Jilapi and Haleem here." 
 
Associate Professor of a Government College Fazlul Haque said, "Mezban's own Haleem is a favorite food for me. It is healthy and the price is also affordable. I buy this Halieem every year during Ramadan from the 'Mezban' hotel and restaurant in the Dhap area of the city." 
 
Seller Tonmoy Hossain at New Bagdad Hotel and Restaurant in the city's Dhap area said that they are trying their best to maintain cleanliness and produce hygienic Iftar items for consumers. 
 
"In particular, buyers are more interested in covered or packaged food instead of open food," he said, adding that the sales are very good this year. 
 
Abdul Khaleque of Mouban Confectionery at the city's Kachari Bazar area said, "There is a demand for almost all types of Iftar items. The prices are almost the same as last year. Sales are also good." 
 
Proprietor Rocky of Mohua Confectionery in the same area said, "Like always, Mama Haleem is in high demand this time too." This special Haleem is made using 20-25 types of spices and seven types of pulses. 
 
Umar Siddique, a 'Matha' vendor in front of the city's Zila School, said that he makes 'Matha' with milk, sugar, sour curd, salt and cardamom. His 'Matha' has gained immense popularity in a short time because it is delicious. 
 
"I sell 30-35 liters of 'Matha' daily. I sell 'Matha' for Taka 20 per glass and Taka 120 per liter like before the holy month of Ramadan," he said.