Photo: BSS

By Jahan Nabin

JHENAIDAH, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS)- Prices of daily essentials in Jhenaidah remain 
within consumers' reach ahead of the Holy month of Ramadan, which begins 
tomorrow, showing little of the usual seasonal surge seen in previous years.

Although prices of essentials typically rise at the start of Ramadan, a 
different picture is evident this year in the district's markets. 

Vegetable prices are affordable, while the costs of edible oil, chickpeas 
(gram), sugar, molasses, puffed rice and dates have not increased 
significantly, bringing relief to consumers.

A visit to the New Hatkhola Bazar in the district town in the morning 
revealed this scenario. Similar conditions were observed in other major 
markets across the district.

Market visits showed that until last Wednesday, potatoes were selling at Taka 
20 per kilogram (Kg), garlic at Taka 110-120 per kg, onions at Taka 50-60 per 
kg, and green chilies at Taka 140-160 per kg. 

The price of brinjal has risen slightly, selling at Taka 60-80 per kg 
depending on quality.

Among other vegetables, bottle gourd has been selling at Taka 30-50 per piece 
depending on size, sweet pumpkin at Taka 30-40 per kg, bitter gourd at Taka 
100-120 per kg, carrots at Taka 60-70 per kg, cucumber at Taka 60-70 per kg, 
beans at Taka 30-40 per kg, and tomatoes at Taka 50-60 per kg.

In addition to vegetables, prices of dates, sugar, sugarcane molasses and 
lemons have increased slightly ahead of Ramadan. Depending on quality, 
Red sugar has been priced at Taka 150-160 per kg, white sugar at Taka 140 per 
kg, local chickpeas at Taka 90-100 per kg, and imported Chickpeas at Taka 85-
95 per kg.

Speaking to BSS, buyer Ripon Hossain said, "In previous years, prices of 
essentials would rise sharply before Ramadan, but that has not happened so 
far this year. The market remains stable."

Another buyer, Shilpi Khatun, said vegetable prices have increased slightly. 
"Prices of green chilies, brinjal and onions have risen by Taka 5 to 10 per 
kg. The price of lemons has also increased by Taka 20 per four pieces. A set 
of four lemons now sells for Taka 40 to 50. 

"The new government needs to strengthen market monitoring during Ramadan so 
that essentials remain within the reach of common people," she continued.

Trader Jhontu Mia said prices of garlic, ginger, onions, green chilies and 
potatoes remain affordable. "Prices of perishable goods always fluctuate 
depending on supply in the market," he said.

Wholesale trader of Jhenaidah Natun Hatkhola Bazar Sabuj Hossain said prices 
of chickpeas, edible oil and sugar remain stable. 

"There is no syndicate in the market. That's why prices are under control. 
People are purchasing according to their needs, and sales have increased," he 
added.

Assistant Director of the District Office of the Directorate of National 
Consumer Rights Protection, Nishat Meher, told BSS that mobile courts have 
already launched drives ahead of Ramadan.
 
"Over the past year, we have largely brought market syndicates under control. 
Drives are ongoing in vegetable markets, poultry and meat shops, and stores 
selling iftar items. The campaign will continue throughout the month of 
Ramadan," she added.