Floating market launched in Tanguar Haor, only non-plastic packaged products to be sold
No plastic packaging or products like chips will be permitted in the market, a step taken to prevent pollution of the haor's delicate ecosystem
A floating market has officially been launched in Tanguar Haor of Sunamganj, marking a new initiative to promote eco-tourism and empower the local communities of the haor region.
To integrate tourism with sustainable local development, the Tahirpur Upazila Administration inaugurated the floating market yesterday (18 July) at Rouha Beel, adjacent to Golabari village under Tahirpur upazila.
Additional Divisional Commissioner of Sylhet, Debojit Singha, formally inaugurated the market, and the ceremony was conducted under the supervision of Tahirpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abul Hashem.
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According to the UNO, the market will be open daily from morning till evening, and only eco-friendly, locally-produced items such as fruits, vegetables, pithas, and handmade goods will be allowed for sale.
No plastic packaging or products like chips will be permitted in the market, a step taken to prevent pollution of the haor's delicate ecosystem.
"Here, locals will be able to sell products such as fruits, pitha, vegetables, etc., except for chips and products with plastic wrappers," the UNO mentioned.
According to the upazila administration, the initiative allows residents of 82 surrounding villages to sell their produce directly from boats.
Tourists visiting the haor will serve as the primary buyers, making the market a potential hub for both economic activity and cultural interaction.
"This market is primarily intended to provide an alternative income source for locals," the UNO added.
Kashmir Reza, general secretary of the Poribesh O Haor Unnayan organisation, praised the move, saying, "This is a commendable initiative. Similar floating markets exist in many countries, but we must ensure this one does not harm the ecosystem of the haor. Authorities should also monitor that only local produce is sold here."
Tanguar Haor spans 126 square kilometres across three upazilas in Sunamganj. It is the country's second-largest freshwater wetland and Bangladesh's second designated Ramsar site, internationally recognised for its ecological significance.
