Md. Masud Khan, Munshiganj (South)

The 200-year-old traditional Goalimandra Market located in Haldia Union of Louhajang Upazila, Munshiganj, is losing its former glory and beauty due to the dominance of illegal occupiers. The market environment and its operations have been thrown into disarray as illegal structures continue to be erected one after another.

Once renowned as one of the district's key weekly markets for essential commodities, Goalimandra used to attract wholesale traders from various districts across the country. While the market used to thrive from early Tuesday morning until evening, the emergence of nearby small markets has now restricted trading activities to just the afternoon hours.

Recently, many influential individuals have been constructing permanent establishments by unlawfully occupying spaces beyond the government-approved shop areas. Taking advantage of the chaotic situation, some have claimed three to four times more land than officially allocated—some even constructing permanent shops on them. Locals allege that no effective action is being taken against these irregularities. There are also attempts to seize the traditional “Chandi Viti” land of the market.

Though the Upazila administration recently issued a public notice via loudspeakers to remove illegal structures, most occupiers have ignored the warning. In fact, many are trying to establish even more new shops. However, according to leaseholder Kawsar Sheikh, one illegal shop has been demolished by the market authority.

Locals are demanding that all illegal establishments be removed immediately to restore the glory of this 200-year-old market. They stress that both the Upazila administration and the general public must work together to preserve the market’s heritage and maintain order. The market boundaries should be reclaimed and systematic management reinstated to restore Goalimandra's lost prestige.

Regarding the matter, Louhajang UNO  Mohammad Nesar Uddin said, “We are focusing on several areas to restore the heritage of Goalimandra Market. The illegal establishments have already been identified and will be evicted soon. The internal roads of the market are in poor condition, and a substantial allocation has been made for road repairs. Renovation work of old tin sheds is also underway.”

He added, “We hope that alongside infrastructure development, efforts from the Upazila administration will continue to eliminate irregularities and bring back the lost glory and tradition of Goalimandra Market.”