Ghior Market limps with poor infrastructure

MANIKGANJ, June 03: The historic Ghior Market and weekly bazar in Ghior Upazila, Manikganj, established nearly 200 years ago on the banks of the Ichamati River, is facing severe infrastructure challenges. The absence of a proper drainage system, frequent waterlogging, deteriorating roads, and inadequate waste management have caused significant hardships for thousands of traders and shoppers who rely on the market daily.
Despite generating an estimated daily turnover of Tk 5 million, the market continues to suffer from long-standing neglect. The market hosts nearly 1,200 businesses and stretches across approximately three kilometres.
Recent rainfall submerged parts of the fish, timber, paddy, molasses, and vegetable sections under knee-deep water. This situation not only disrupts business activities but also creates severe inconvenience for visitors. Once the stagnant water recedes, a strong foul odour spreads throughout the area, raising public health concerns.
Every Wednesday, the Ghior Bazar draws traders and buyers from across the district. Once regarded as a vibrant commercial hub, local business owners say the market is gradually losing customers due to poor infrastructure.
Prakash Rajbanshi, a fish trader, said, "Even light rain causes waterlogging in the fish market. The drains are clogged with waste, and customers are reluctant to walk through the muddy water. As a result, our sales decline. We have been facing this problem for years without any solution."
Saiful Islam, a timber trader, added, "The condition has remained unchanged for as long as I can remember. During the rainy season, it becomes extremely difficult to move around, let alone transport goods. The roads are badly damaged, increasing transportation costs. Waterlogging also damages timber products."
Md. Rafiqul Islam, owner of M/S Anannya Traders, said, "My business is in the timber section, where I sell sanitary products. There are around 30 to 35 timber businesses here. Rainy days create serious difficulties for us. Sales often drop by half, and customers avoid the market because of the poor environment."
Trader Nasir Uddin commented, "We regularly pay lease fees for the market, but the condition suggests that authorities are paying little attention. During rainfall, there is no suitable environment for conducting business."
Almas Islam, a vegetable trader, said, "The stagnant, dirty water produces a foul smell. Customers leave the market quickly, which negatively impacts our business."
Rahim Mia added, "A substantial amount of revenue is collected from this market every year, yet traders receive almost no facilities. Without an effective drainage system, the situation will only worsen." Shopper Kamal Hossain said, "Entering the market during rainfall is very difficult. We often have to walk through knee-deep water. It is almost impossible to bring family members here. The overall environment needs improvement."
Another visitor, Rehana Begum, said, "The smell from stagnant water makes it uncomfortable to stay in the market for long. My husband works abroad, so I have to do the household shopping myself. The situation is especially difficult for women and children. It is unfortunate that such a large market remains in this condition."
Mohammad Lata, a member of the Ghior Market Business Management Committee, said, "Ghior Market is one of the largest in the district and handles significant daily trade. However, traders are not receiving facilities proportional to the revenue generated. Waterlogging and damaged roads are affecting business. Thousands of people visit the weekly market every Wednesday, yet they continue to suffer due to the lack of basic infrastructure. We want these problems to be resolved as quickly as possible."
According to local sources, a narrow drainage channel was constructed in the Beparipara area about four years ago at a cost of approximately Tk 900,000. However, the drain was built without covers and has failed to provide an effective solution. Instead, it has become a safety hazard for pedestrians. People occasionally fall into the drain, especially at night, while stagnant water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Ghior Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Nashita-Tul Islam said, "We are aware of the problems facing Ghior Market. The drainage and infrastructure issues are being treated as priorities. An RCC road has already been constructed from the cattle market to the fish market, and additional development work will be carried out in phases."

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