Md. Tanzim Hossain, Chattogram

After several weeks of sharply rising vegetable prices, government and private initiatives are now bringing relief to the market.

Measures such as selling vegetables at fair prices through mobile trucks, regular market monitoring by the task force, OMS operations, and sales centers set up by the district administration have proven effective. The influence of intermediaries has diminished, resulting in a notable decrease in vegetable prices, according to consumers.

Starting last Monday, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement began selling vegetables at fair prices via mobile trucks in various parts of the city. The following day, the Agriculture Marketing Department launched its OMS operations, and the district administration opened six sales centers to distribute essential goods. These initiatives have contributed to lowering market prices.

During visits to Chawkbazar, Bahaddarhat, Rastar Matha, and other markets, it was observed that beans are being sold at BDT 60-80 per kilogram, flat beans at BDT 200, green chilies at BDT 160-200, radishes at BDT 50-60, eggplants at BDT 70-90, and pointed gourds and snake gourds at BDT 50-65. Papayas are selling at BDT 30-35 per kilogram. Additionally, carrots are being sold at BDT 180, okra at BDT 70, cabbage at BDT 60-70, pumpkins at BDT 50, and cucumbers at BDT 50-60 per kilogram.

However, prices of some essential goods remain high, with onions selling at BDT 110 per kilogram and garlic at BDT 240 per kilogram. Broiler chicken is priced between BDT 195-200, Sonali chicken at BDT 320-340, and native chicken at BDT 520. Among fish, pangas is being sold at BDT 170-180, tilapia at BDT 200-220, rui at BDT 300-360, and pabda at BDT 400 per kilogram.

Regarding market monitoring, Chattogram's Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Kamruzzaman stated, "The task force's operations are ongoing, and sales centers have been set up to sell goods at fair prices. With various organizations stepping forward, we are optimistic about keeping prices under control."

These efforts to curb price hikes have brought some relief to the public. Bahaddarhat vegetable vendor Rafique expressed his experience, saying, "Previously, prices were so high that customers would leave without buying. Now, prices have dropped slightly, increasing sales. This has given small traders like us a chance to survive, and customers are happy too."

A customer at the market shared, "Compared to last week, vegetable prices have slightly decreased. Although the prices of onions and garlic are still high, this change in the market is a welcome relief."

Some buyers commented, "Compared to last week, the prices of goods have become a bit more reasonable. We hope the market continues to stabilize."

When fair prices are ensured in the market, it’s not just goods being sold—it’s the restoration of people’s trust and financial stability. Every step taken to reduce the influence of intermediaries brings genuine relief and happiness to ordinary people’s lives.