Political rivalry drives market lease from Tk6.5 lakh to Tk52 lakh in Munshiganj

In Munshiganj, an intense political rivalry has driven the lease for Dholagaon Market – a key wholesale and retail hub for fresh vegetables – from Tk6.5 lakh last year to a staggering Tk52 lakh this year, totalling nearly Tk72 lakh with government VAT and taxes included.

Tensions boiled over yesterday afternoon (3 March) at the Sadar Upazila Parishad Complex during tender submissions. Supporters of the previous leaseholder and banned Awami League leader Azgar Ali, along with former Chhatra Dal joint secretary Salah Uddin Tutul, attempted to submit their tender but were blocked by supporters of BNP ward leader Abdul Ahad Dewan, also known as Roman Dewan.

The standoff quickly escalated after Tutul's supporters attacked Dewan's men, leaving 22-year-old Amit Hasan injured.

Following official procedures, an open bidding was held later, in which Roman Dewan secured the lease at Tk52 lakh, while Azgar Ali's highest bid reached Tk46 lakh.

Dewan alleged, "Azgar Ali held this lease for years and blocked our participation in bidding because of my BNP affiliation. When I learned that he and some other leaders were planning to take over the market again, we submitted the highest bid. Even at a loss, I will not let anyone from the Awami League take control."

The market plays a crucial role for local farmers and traders, who sell produce both locally and to wholesale hubs in Dhaka, and the sudden surge in lease costs is expected to place a heavy financial burden on traders and eventually on consumers.

Traders expressed deep concern over the political tussle. "The leaders' power struggle is making life unbearable for us," said one trader, speaking on condition of anonymity. A vegetable seller and local farmer added, "Daily costs will now multiply to cover the extra money spent on the lease. Ordinary traders like us bear the brunt of these conflicts."

A member of the Aware Citizens' Committee said ruling party leaders often compete for market leases, after which leaseholders ignore rules and collect extra money from buyers and sellers, burdening consumers, farmers, and traders. He urged year-round administrative monitoring to prevent political rivalries from causing economic hardship for ordinary people.

Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Masudur Rahman emphasised, "There is no scope for anyone to collect money at will outside government rules. If anyone violates the lease terms, the market lease will be cancelled."