Shoppers in Dhaka on Sunday gathered in a newly opened relief market in front of the Gono Odhikar Parishad central office near the Bijoynagar Water Tank, Al-Razi Complex.
The market, a non-profit initiative run by Gono Odhikar Parishad in collaboration with the Bangladesh Peshajibi Odhikar Parishad, offers vegetables and essentials at affordable prices to support residents grappling with rising costs.
Prices for various products at the relief market include leafy vegetables starting at Tk25, potatoes at Tk40, and cucumbers at Tk30 per kg.
Tomatoes and pumpkins are sold for Tk50 each, while eggplants are priced at Tk40 per kg.
In comparison, local markets report higher prices, with potatoes around Tk60, leafy vegetables from Tk40-60, cucumbers at Tk50, and tomatoes reaching Tk70.
The relief market aims to bridge this gap, offering produce directly to consumers at lower prices.
While shopping at the relief market, Nahar Begum shared her experience: "The prices here are much more reasonable compared to the local market. I managed to buy all my essentials without spending too much."
Another shopper, Jamil Hossain, added: "With the current price hikes, this initiative really brings us some relief."
Md Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad, said: "This market is here to support people by offering essential items at prices that can combat the current market syndicate."
According to Khalid Hossain, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Peshajibi Odhikar Parishad, the relief market will continue to operate in Dhaka, with plans to expand to other areas to make low-cost produce accessible nationwide.
