Sabbir Hossain, Hatibandha (Lalmonirhat)

As Eid-ul-Fitr nears, markets in Lalmonirhat are buzzing with activities . The district’s 45 unions across five upazilas Sadar, Aditmari, Kaliganj, Hatibandha, Patgram and two municipalities are crowded with buyers and sellers from morning till night. However, beneath the festive cheer lies the financial struggles of farmers and rising prices, causing hardship for many.

About 85% of the population depends on Agriculture in Lalmonirhat. Farmers are spending heavily on water, fertilizers, and pesticides for crops like maize, paddy, and peanuts. Despite potatoes and vegetables being ready for sale, low prices mean farmers are not earning fair profits. Many are struggling to cover even basic costs, leaving extra Eid expenses out of reach.

Local shopkeepers say customer numbers have dropped compared to previous years, and purchasing power is limited. Still, markets remain lively with a unique festive vibe this Eid season.

In contrast, shopping areas like Old Market and Municipal Shopping Complex are crowded with buyers looking for clothes, shoes, and gifts. Shopkeepers report good sales, especially in modern designs of cotton shirts and pants. However, shoppers like Hafiz Uddin express frustration over rising prices, saying, “Everything is more expensive than last year. It’s tough to manage Eid spending.”

Local authorities have tightened security, installing CCTV cameras and deploying mobile courts to check price hikes and ensure quality. Tailors, too, are busy with a surge in orders for modern outfits, though workers complain wages haven’t risen.

While traders hope for record-breaking last-minute sales, the gap between farmers' struggles and market festivities highlights mixed emotions this Eid in Lalmonirhat