Md. Masud Khan, Louhajang ( Munshiganj)

Goyalimandra Market, one of the most historic and largest weekly markets in Louhajang Upazila of Munshiganj, is experiencing a significant lease price increase, leaving buyers and sellers worried.

Located in the Haldia Union, this 200-year-old traditional market has lost some of its former glory but remains highly valued by the locals.

Since ancient times, this market has been a diverse trading hub, offering essential goods, agricultural products, fish, meat, clothing, household items, and even livestock. It serves as a crucial commercial center for local farmers and traders.

A wide variety of agricultural products such as rice, wheat, lentils, vegetables (gourds, eggplants, tomatoes, chilies, potatoes), fruits (mangoes, bananas, papayas, coconuts, jackfruits), and spices (onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, chilies) are available in this market. Additionally, livestock like goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, and pigeons, as well as animal feed, are traded here. The fish market also attracts buyers from distant areas, offering popular fish such as rui, katla, boal, shing, magur, tengra, shrimp, hilsa, and dried fish at competitive prices every Tuesday, the market day.

Handloom sarees, lungis, gamchas, earthen pots, bamboo baskets, and various metal and wooden household items are also sold in the market. Local delicacies such as "Sheka Roti" of Bikrampur, amitti, chira-muri, sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, and murki, as well as duck and chicken eggs, have a dedicated customer base.

Previously, Goyalimandra Market remained bustling from 6 AM to 6 PM, with its noise heard from miles away. Buyers and wholesalers from different districts of the country, especially from Barisal and Faridpur, used to bring goods by boats and launches during the monsoon season. However, with waterways being obstructed due to siltation, trade through this route has almost ceased, reducing the presence of wholesalers and diminishing the market’s former vibrancy. Nevertheless, locals still frequent the market, as many items unavailable in regular stores can be found here at lower prices.

This year’s lease price has caused significant concern among buyers and sellers. Last year, the highest bid for the market lease was 4.24 million BDT, but this year, the bid has skyrocketed to 7 million BDT, indicating a drastic increase. While this benefits government revenue, traders fear it will ultimately burden consumers.

During a field visit to the market on Tuesday, traders reported that goat sellers are being charged a 6% tax, poultry wholesalers are paying 6–7 BDT per square foot, and wooden stall vendors are paying 300 BDT per stall.

Traders believe that since the lease price has increased, the new leaseholder will try to recover the extra cost by collecting higher fees from them. This will reduce their profit margins, forcing them to raise product prices, which will directly impact buyers.

Concerns Over the Market’s Future Elderly locals worry that if the lease price continues to rise at this rate, the market may become unaffordable for ordinary people. This could deter buyers and wholesalers from distant areas, ultimately harming the market’s reputation and historical significance. Additionally, excessive taxation could drive small traders out of business, negatively impacting the local economy.

Locals urge the government and administration to take appropriate steps to preserve the prestige of this historic market and prevent undue pressure on traders. Otherwise, this 200-year-old market may struggle to maintain its significance.

Goyalimandra Market remains a vital commercial hub in Louhajang Upazila, but the closure of water routes and rising lease prices have somewhat altered its traditional nature. With proper planning and administrative oversight, the glory of this historic market can be restored.

Regarding the issue, Louhajang Upazila’s Executive Officer, Md. Nesar Uddin, stated, “If the new leaseholder increases fees beyond reasonable limits, we will certainly intervene. All tax collections must be within government regulations.”

When asked about future tax collection policies, the newly appointed leaseholder, Md. Kawsar Sheikh, responded, “Previously, the market’s lease price once reached 8.4 million BDT through competition, yet no undue pressure was placed on wholesalers. I will also not impose any extra burden on my traders. Past leaseholders made profits, and even if I make slightly less, it won’t be an issue. I want to run the market harmoniously with all stakeholders.”