Small traders in Chapainawabganj demand lease-free status for Tollghar farmers' market

Small traders held a human chain in Chapainawabganj demanding that the Tollghar farmers' market, located east of the Mahananda Bridge, be kept free of leasing.

The human chain was held on Friday behind the toll house of the Mahananda Bridge.

Speakers at the human chain, chaired by Md Ziaur Rahman, included Poultry Feed Association general secretary Md Mukhlesur Rahman Alal, former councillor Abdul Khalek, IBW municipal branch secretary Md Shamsuzzaman Mukul, vegetable trader Bijoy, fish trader Sreemati Mala Rani, Sahabuddin, Shariful Islam, Obaidul Haque and others.

The traders said the farmers' market was created in 2007 during the tenure of then municipal mayor Professor Ataur Rahman.

According to the traders, because of this market, ordinary people in three wards of the municipality can buy daily necessities at affordable prices. They demanded that the market must not be evicted and must always be kept toll-free.

On the matter, Sadar Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Ikramul Haque Nahid said those who have opened shops and are doing business in the farmers' market are doing so illegally.

He also said a notice has been issued to bring the farmers' market under a lease.