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🇧🇩 Bangladesh /Economy & Trade

Centuries-old Shahjibazar market sustains thousands of families in Bangladesh

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The centuries-old Shahjibazar market in Bangladesh generates an estimated Tk 15 crore in annual turnover, supporting about 2,000 families across 15 villages.
  • Bamboo cultivation and trade are central to the market's economy, requiring minimal investment and providing regular income.
  • Infrastructure challenges, including poor roads and a drying river, threaten the market's future, though buyers still travel from distant regions.

The Shahjibazar market, a trading hub dating back nearly 400 years, continues to be a vital economic engine for communities in Bangladesh. Held twice weekly in Nurpur union, the market generates an estimated Tk 15 crore (approximately $1.3 million USD) in annual turnover, directly sustaining around 2,000 families spread across at least 15 neighboring villages.

Bamboo trading has been central to the market.

— Syed Gaziur RahmanDescribing the historical importance of bamboo to the Shahjibazar market.

Bamboo cultivation and trade form the backbone of the market's economy. Families like those in Purasundha and Surabai villages invest little to no capital in growing various bamboo varieties, which regenerate naturally. Sohan Mia, for example, recently sold 750 bamboo pieces from his grove for Tk 1.5 lakh, while others earn supplementary income from smaller plots. Trader Dulal Mia reports consistent profits of Tk 2,000-3,000 per market day from selling Tk 30,000 worth of bamboo.

"Every haat day, profit is small, but it is regular. This market feeds many families like mine," says Dulal Mia. For families like Husna Begum's, bamboo cultivation provides crucial support for expenses such as school fees and household needs. The groves also offer environmental benefits like shade and storm protection.

Every haat day, profit is small, but it is regular. This market feeds many families like mine.

— Dulal MiaA trader explaining the consistent income generated by the market.

Despite its economic importance, the market faces significant infrastructure challenges. Poor road conditions impede transportation, especially during the rainy season. Furthermore, the Sutang River, once a key route for transporting goods, has largely dried up, diminishing river-based transport. Nazrul Islam, who leased the market this year for Tk 30 lakh, notes the decline in riverine trade.

When children's school fees or household expenses come up, bamboo is our support.

— Husna BegumA resident explaining the financial importance of bamboo cultivation.

Nevertheless, buyers continue to frequent Shahjibazar from regions including Kishorganj, Habiganj, Sylhet division, and Brahmanbaria. The market stands as a rare example of sustainable, low-investment rural enterprise, but its long-term viability hinges on addressing these infrastructure and water scarcity issues.

If the road is repaired, business will grow even more.

— Bachchu MiaHighlighting the impact of infrastructure on market growth.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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