Chittagong, Oct 21 (V7N)- Under the directive of Labour Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, the Department of Agricultural Marketing has launched an open market initiative in Chittagong to sell vegetables, eggs, and onions at fair prices. The program kicked off this morning, inaugurated by Director General of the Department, Masud Karim. Also in attendance at the opening ceremony were Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Tofail Ahmed and other senior officials.

The launch took place in the city’s Chawkbazar area, and the initiative is now operating in five key locations across the city, including Sholoshahar 2 No. Gate, Chawkbazar, Feroz Shah, Dewanhat, and Firingi Bazar. The program will continue indefinitely to provide essential goods at affordable prices to city residents.

Current prices include eggs at BDT 130 per dozen, potatoes at BDT 30 per kilogram, bitter gourd at BDT 40 per kilogram, papaya at BDT 20 per kilogram, and onions at BDT 70 per kilogram. A package of eight essential items is available for BDT 450.

Speaking to Voice7news.tv, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Marketing Department, Md. Siraj Uddin, said, “This initiative aims to provide essential products to the public at fair prices, and such efforts will continue in the future.” He further mentioned that potatoes are being sourced from Munshiganj, eggs from Kazi Farms, and onions from Khatunganj, ensuring a stable supply of these goods in the market.

Local residents have expressed their appreciation for the government's initiative. Salma Begum, a resident of Chawkbazar, shared her relief, saying, “We often struggle with the high prices of daily essentials. This fair-price initiative has brought much-needed relief.” Similarly, Mohammad Hasan, a businessman from Sholoshahar, remarked, “This government effort will help maintain stability in supply and keep vegetable prices within reach for the common people. It will significantly ease the volatility in the market.”

However, many have emphasized the need to increase the supply of goods to meet public demand. Deputy Director Md. Siraj Uddin also highlighted the importance of ensuring regular supply due to high demand.

It is hoped that this initiative will have a lasting positive impact on the daily lives of the general public in the coming days.

END/ABZ/AJ