Manda, Naogaon (February 9, 2025) – In a bold protest, farmers from Manda in Naogaon district of Bangladesh, set up vegetable stalls in front of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s (UNO) office on Sunday after being denied space to sell their products at the village market.
The farmers, who had traveled from remote areas, found themselves denied space at the local Prasadpur Hat (market), where they typically sell their produce.
Despite being denied access to the designated space, the farmers were determined to make their voices heard by setting up stalls in front of the UNO office.
This protest was triggered by a long-standing issue at the Prasadpur market, where farmers allege that a syndicate of traders has taken control of the market stalls.
According to the farmers, the syndicate buys vegetables from them at low prices, only to resell them to consumers at significantly higher rates.
This price-fixing practice has caused frustration not only among the farmers but also among the consumers who are forced to buy vegetables at inflated prices.
Abdur Razzak, one of the protesting farmers, explained the situation, saying, “We bring fresh vegetables from our fields to sell at Prasadpur Hat at much lower prices than the traders. But every time we try to sell directly to customers, we are forced out. The traders lose sales when we’re in the market, so they’ve evicted us again today.”
Another farmer, Majed Ali Mollah, echoed Razzak’s sentiment, highlighting their struggle to find a permanent place to sell their produce. “We’ve been evicted multiple times. With the help of local people, we have been able to set up stalls in the past, but now that space is unavailable. We are asking the administration for a permanent space to sell our vegetables.”
The protest has garnered attention from both local traders and consumers. Consumer Sahadat Hossain voiced his dissatisfaction with the situation, stating, “The traders in Prasadpur market sell vegetables at much higher prices, thanks to the syndicate. We always have to pay more because of their control.”
Akhtaruzzaman Al Monsur, the president of the Prasadpur Market Traders’ Cooperative Society, acknowledged the role of the syndicate, saying, “Some traders are involved in price-fixing through a syndicate. We hope the Upazila administration will allocate space for farmers so they can sell their products directly to the public.”
However, not everyone agrees with the farmers’ accusations. Belal Hossain, president of the Prasadpur Vegetable Market Association, countered that the market space is limited and that accommodating all farmers in the area is not feasible.
“There is simply not enough space in the market for everyone to set up a stall. The accusation that farmers are being evicted is not true,” he stated.
In response to the protest, Manda Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Shah Alam Mia took swift action by forming a five-member investigation committee, led by the Assistant Commissioner (Land). The committee has been tasked with submitting a report within one working day. “Once we receive the report, we will take the necessary actions. If anyone is found guilty of evicting the farmers, appropriate measures will be taken,” said UNO Shah Alam Mia.
The ongoing dispute highlights the challenges faced by local farmers in accessing fair market opportunities. As the investigation proceeds, it remains to be seen whether the Upazila administration will be able to resolve the issue and ensure a fair space for all parties involved in the market.
