In an effort to control the rising prices of essential food items and bring relief to daily life, the Dhaka district administration has launched an initiative to set up People's Market (Janatar Bazar) at six locations across the capital.
On Saturday, Dhaka's Deputy Commissioner Tanvir Ahmed shared this detail during an exchange of views at Kamrangirchar Kurarghat Medical Mor.
These markets will be established in Kamrangirchar's Kurarghat Medical Mor, Mohammadpur, Gulshan, Mirpur, Badda, and Demra areas, offering goods at fair prices.
Essential items such as fish, meat, milk, eggs, and vegetables will be sold at affordable prices in these markets.
It is reported that the number of markets will be gradually increased, with special provisions for consumers during Ramadan.
Experts say that this will particularly help low-income people. However, they also urge attention to issues such as product supply, market security, and adequate quantity of goods.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Tanvir Ahmed said: "One of the long-standing complaints of consumers is that several intermediaries cause a price increase from the farmer to the consumer. This initiative will help curb this practice."
The market will directly connect farmers and consumers, ensuring that food items are provided at fair prices.
He added: "This market will be run with the assistance of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Consumer Rights Protection Directorate. It will be managed sustainably and will play a significant role in fulfilling the daily needs of the people in the capital."
The meeting also highlighted that the market prices for essential items have been unusually high, placing them out of reach for many consumers.
Some dishonest traders are inflating prices, taking advantage of the situation. This leads to increased pressure on consumers and public dissatisfaction.
By directly selling products from producers and importers, these middlemen will be eliminated.
Such markets have already been set up in various districts and are receiving positive responses from the public.
As a result, prices in surrounding markets have started to decrease.
The experience from these markets has inspired the implementation of such markets in Dhaka.
In the People's Market, fish, meat, milk, eggs, vegetables, and other essential items will be sold at affordable prices.
Although initially set up in six locations, the market will gradually expand.
For market management, infrastructure will be constructed on government land, and local entrepreneurs, students, and unemployed youth will be involved.
Only retail sales will be allowed, and a fixed price list will be followed for purchasing goods.
Consumers will make payments digitally and receive a code to collect their goods.
The market will be managed under the supervision of the district administration, with support from relevant government departments and agencies.
Products will be sourced from regions where the prices are comparatively lower and sold directly in these markets.
According to district administration sources, local entrepreneurs, students, and community members may be given responsibility for managing sales and transportation.
The sale price will be determined by adding the actual transportation cost and a reasonable profit for the entrepreneurs to the purchase price.
Farmers, livestock breeders, or producers can bring their products directly for sale if they wish.
Software will be developed to manage transactions and record-keeping, allowing the purchase and sale prices to be viewed online.
